It’s been a long time coming for Pearl River against Nanuet. The rivalry has been decidedly one-sided for a few years. Nanuet has become one of the top programs in the section while Pearl River has slid from its lofty perch.

Nanuet had won at least six in a row in the rivalry. And not just any wins. The Golden Knights won the scoring battle 25-2. That included a 9-1 humiliation.

Remember that once upon a time it was the Pirates smacking Nanuet around. The latter was struggling to build a program while the former, under respected coach Tim Peabody, was the king of the county alongside North Rockland.

I remember covering a 1-1 tie in 2004. It was a big deal for Nanuet, which cited the result as a big step in its development. Since then its been all uphill.

Until today.

The Pirates finally got their mojo back in the rivalry, winning 2-0.

They were patient, taking 50-50 wins and being smart with the ball. They didn’t boom kicks downfield straight into the opposing sweeper’s foot. They also pursued after their first try at something failed. That persistence was a metaphor for Pearl River’s diligence in the rivalry.

Brynn Moynihan kept Lauren Kahn off the scoreboard. Kahn, for those who don’t know, is Rockland’s all-time leading scorer. Moynihan shadowed her like the paparazzi.

Keeper Maddie Wilson also made some good plays and ended with 13 saves.

The goals were scored by Caroline Sullivan and Marissa Scognamiglio. Sulivan looped a soft shot into the upper right side in the 51st minute (pictured below). Scognamiglio added the second in the 79th minute.

(Thanks to photographer Pete Carr for the great photos.)