I do believe the bus ride was less than 3 miles so there were no pillows or headphones for this trip to our new found rival’s stomping ground . The refs pulled a quick one and got the match started almost 35 minutes early , so our warm up time was cut short . As the lights came on , the play was just as rough as expected . The catcalls from the crowd even had the usually very subdued Asst. Ref shooting them cold eyes .
Jack Alviani with his first start in goal , EVER , was the BIG CAT pouncing on every and anything that intruded his sacred 18 yard box . WELL DONE JACK .
Our back line of Keltsen Hudson . Sackett and Ngyuen shut down # 10 for CHS ( J. Garcia – All Metro ) .
Everyone’s favorite Baker Brother , Mo Baker got the start along with P. Fowlkes up front . Gabe Mugabo subbed in quickly and the shots started to fly .
Both goalies stayed busy as the First half ended at 0-0 .
Much more of the same tough physical play in the second half. With the addition of Keylan Hudson in the midfield for the night we added more support for midfielders Olufore , Holmes and T. Baker, all contributed at both ends of the field . Manzi Victor is just a sweeper specialist this spring , giving a clinic on the give and go style of play . GREAT JOB VIC ….
About midway through the second half The Cavaliers broke through the over Alviani’s arms over his head and got one in . But the didn’t break his spirit . Nor did they break The mighty Tigers’ Spirit . After a few tough calls that received yellow cards , in the usuals suspects , and some reoccurring offsides , Keylan Hudson launch one from his favorite spot . Just outside the 18 . Tying the game
1-1 . The time was running out .
Regulation ended . We went into OT.
No sudden death . Two five minute periods. Both teams played until their legs had no more . HMA suffered many cramps ( too much sweet tea ) .
Both teams played until their legs finally gave . They played until they were laying on the ground . They played as the home crowd was yelling foul language.
They played hurt . The whistle blew and I asked if we would go to PKs .The ref asked me if I really wanted to , I immediately said no . I wanted my young men to go home .
Final Score : HMA 1 CHS 1
Soccer Battles to a Tie with Chatham
