The Tigers returned to the Simpson Parade field on Wednesday in a VIC clash against the Bishops of Virginia Episcopal School (VES). In a thriller throughout, the Tigers were able to escape with a 2-1 win over the Bishops.
The first goal was scored by the Bishops in the 37th minute with a penalty kick that was awarded to make it 1-0. The Tigers were able to respond right away with a goal from center midfielder Ebrahim Al-Aghbari (Yemen) assisted by left forward Caleb Gibbons (Toledo, OH) to make it 1-1 at the break. “We were able to create some chances early on and sustain an attack which allowed us to possess the ball early on,” stated head coach Jeremy Eubank. “That was key, as it allowed for us to rotate some guys early on to rest their legs after Tuesday’s game.”
The second half was very much a see-saw battle of midfields, as each team was able to create chances and threaten each team’s defense. The Tigers were able to break through in the 72nd minute as Gibbons found the back of the net off a great assist from center forward Raines Wall (Chatham, VA) for the 2-1 lead. The game was sealed with a penalty kick save in the 75th minute by goalkeeper John Seepe (Danville, VA)- his second penalty kick save of the day.
“If it wasn’t for John this evening we would not have been in this game,” stated Eubank. “He came off his line well, communicated well from the back, and, most importantly, his fundamentals were very sound the last two games, especially this evening.”
With the win, it moves the Tigers record to 14-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in the conference. With the win it gives the Tigers the most wins in recent history since the 2007 spring season. The Tigers will play their final regular season game this Friday at the Simpson Parade Field at 4:30. Prior to the game the seniors will be honored in the traditional senior ceremony at 4:00 PM.
