Nashua South's Natalee Thomas was a happy Panther after scoring two goals, including the game-winner with 20 seconds left, in a 2-1 victory over Bishop Guertin Tuesday at Stellos Stadium. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – The wait for Nashua High School South’s Natalee Thomas to make an impact on a soccer field was a year, but for her it had to feel as long as the wait the Panthers girls program had to get a win vs. city rival Bishop Guertin.

Both things happened on Tuesday, as Thomas, who sat out all last year with a torn ACL, scored both Panther goals, including the dramatic game-winner with 20 seconds left, as South stunned Bishop Guertin 2-1 at Stellos Stadium. It’s believed to be the Panthers first win over the Cards since 2018.

But for Thomas, the last year felt that long.

“It was horrible,” the junior striker said. “The whole summer I’ve been training hard. I’m here now, so – it was amazing. It was one of my happiest moments.”

“I think it’s a lesson for everybody,” South coach Curt Dutilley said. “We cut practice short 15 minutes last night but Natalee stayed and said ‘Hey, I want to get some extra work in on finishing’ so we worked on some stuff. …

“It’s an absolutely incredible win, I’m so happy for the girls, so proud of their effort. I mean we were under duress – forever.”

Indeed, Guertin had dominated time of possession and chances – South senior keeper Corinne Rivera had a whopping 19 saves – and the Cards had a1-0 lead by halftime on Zoe Horton-Sousa’s goal, assisted by Julia Balzano 12 minutes in.

But Thomas’ two goals were nearly identical, shots from the left wing side that beat BG’s first year sophomore keeper Ella Calder. The tying goal came seven minutes into the second half, but then the Cards had several corners perfectly placed by Emerson Brown but thanks to Rivera came up empty. One hit off the post and then deflected off the South keeper.

But after a BG threat in the final minute, things were looking like a tie until South’s Olivia Mangahas spotted Thomas up the field and fed a perfect pass down the line and Thomas, who runs the 100 and 200 in track, did the rest.

“I was just trying to dribble as fast as I can,” Thomas said. “I was trying to hit the corner; it didn’t really work, but I was still able to hit it fast enough to get it by her.”

“Her speed is just unmatchable,” Dutilley said. “But her ability to run at speed and have a soft touch, and bring it all the way to the keeper on that second goal…”

Bishop Guertin’s Zoe Horton-Sousa (3) tries to maneuver against Nashua South’s Caroline Bedell during Tuesday’s clash at Stellos Stadium. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

It had to be frustrating for the 0-2 Cards, whose defensive mission was to clamp down on Thomas.

“We knew she was a good player and that we had to shut her down,” BG coach Chris Millett said. “But she got two opportunities, and she capitalizes – the sign of a real high caliber player. Kudos to her. She did what she needed to do at the exact right time, and we paid for it.”

Dutilley made some adjustments at halftime, allowing BG to bring the ball to South, “and eventually we’ll get one or two open spaces, and you have to capitalize on those one or two moments.”

Thomas did exactly that. And Rivera on several moments. “She stood on her head,” Millett said.

And now the wait is over for South.

“It feels amazing,” Rivera said. “Honestly, this season’s a new season for the Panthers, it’s just go time from here.”

‘Go Time’ is what Thomas couldn’t wait to finally experience.

(This story has been amended from its original version that had 2011 as the last South girls win over BG)