NASHUA — Nashua South's Emily Durette is excitement with the ball at her feet.

The electrifying play of the diminutive freshman striker set up both goals in eight-seeded South's 2-1 win over No. 9 Manchester Central in a first-round game of the Division I soccer tourney Wednesday afternoon at Stellos Stadium.

“Something good happens whenever she touches the ball,” said South coach Manfred Beyer after his club secured its first-ever quarterfinal berth while playing tourney host for the first time since the school opened in 2004.

The Panthers advance to play top-seed and two-time defending champion Exeter on Saturday. South beat the Blue Hawks, 1-0, on Oct. 13.

Both clubs entered the game with 10-5-1 records. Central pressured early and often with Paige Rachel striking the left post on a direct kick in the 4th minute of play.

South hit pay dirt on its first scoring chance. Durette drove 30 yards on four touches and eluded two defenders, booting a 15-yard left-footed blast off the post. Sena Oran one-timed the rebound home, giving South a 1-0 lead at 18:07.

“I knew where to go because when Emily shoots, the ball is either in the net or off the post,” said Oran.

Central continued its pressure on the net. Nicole Roberge, Jillian Graff, Nicole Rust, Olivia Vincent and Emily Duchesne had scoring chances.

The young Purple Panther team, starting three freshmen with another three coming off the bench and a sophomore keeper, responded. Marina McIntosh, freshman Abbey McIntosh and Sarah Peterman made tackles or cleared the ball out of harm's way. Goalie Michaela Nault finished made eight quality saves.

During one Central surge, Durette blocked a crossing shot off her chest and dribbled 60 yards up field, sidestepping defenders until tripped up near the box. Central keeper Jessica Mealey made a diving save of McIntosh's free kick. Kristin Dechene scored on the ensuing corner kick and South owned a 2-0 lead with 14:11 left to play.

“She can run like a deer. With that kind of speed and her technical and tactical abilities (Durette) can burn you,” said Beyer. “We couldn't relax with the lead. Central's too good. They have a strong attack and don't quit.”

Central made it a one-goal game with 2:06 left when Graff buried a serve from Colbie Cookson on a free kick chance. The Little Green team kept pressuring in search of a tying goal, but ran out of time.

“We cashed in our opportunities and that was the difference in the game,” said Beyer.