The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team came away with a hard-fought win, on Thursday, over a very skilled Carlisle team by a score of 3-2.
The effort put forth by both teams made for a heart-pounding experience, as play was equally balanced between both sides leaving the spectator with an anticipation of which team would be victorious. It was a game where every player’s heart showed, and every bit of energy was left on the field at its conclusion. It was simply a heart-pounding experience that any individual would love to see.
From the very beginning, both sides came out fighting for possession of the ball, and making every effort to capitalize on the play that would put them on the board. Although, play continuously shifted back-and-forth, and neither team could put the finishing touches on their opportunities. The first half of play would end in a scoreless draw.
In the second half, the excitement of the game escalated as both teams came out looking for the goal that would break the scoreless tie. Then, five minutes into the half, the Tigers struck. The Tigers found themselves with a throw-in down near the Carlisle goal. Captain Charles Amos (1A) with a powerful throw-in launched the ball in towards the box. The ball found its way to the back post, and on to the foot of Alnor Rodriguez (1G) who struck the ball beautifully, first-time with outside of his foot from six yards out. The outstretched arms of the Carlisle keeper were on able to make the save, and Rodriguez put the Tigers ahead, 1-0.
Play continued to intensify, as both teams fought for every inch with the ball. Hargrave’s defense continued to play solid in the back, holding off the Carlisle attack, and giving the Tiger’s offense the chance to find the net again while holding their opponent scoreless.
The Tiger’s then found their opportunity, and capitalized upon it. Freshman Nathan LeNoir (1G) gave the Tigers the 2-0 lead with a blast into the back of the net. LeNoir received the ball in the middle of the field, 25 yards out from the Carlisle goal, and drove forward beating his defender. From about 20 yards out LeNoir struck the ball, and sent it sailing along the ground past the Carlisle keeper and into the back of the net.
Both teams, though, showed no signs of letting down as the excitement continued to grow. Then, Carlisle put themselves within striking distance with goal of their own. Off of a corner kick, with 20 minutes remaining in the game, Giles Thomson, of Carlisle, connected with the ball heading it into the back of the net.
The Tigers, though, would not dwindle, and with ten minutes remaining the game notched their third goal of the match. Austin Newman (1A) won possession of the ball down near the Carlisle corner, took one touch forward, and sent the ball flying on the ground across the front of the Carlisle goal. Substitute Daniel Kroh (1G), with a perfect run towards the goal, beat his defender to the spot, and hit the Newman cross first time into the back of the net giving the Tigers the 3-1 lead.
Then, the excitement and nervousness grew when two minutes later Carlisle struck again, pulling them back within a goal at 3-2 off of a Douglas Becker blast into the upper corner of the goal from 15 yards out.
Carlisle, though, would have one more opportunity as there was a pile up in front of the net with five minutes remaining. The ball came loose, but the Tiger’s defense was there once again to clear the ball keeping it out of the net.
Time would finally expire, and the Tigers would hold onto a well-deserved 3-2 victory. It was an incredible defensive and offensive effort all around as the Tigers played with everything they had, and pulled through as a team to secure the win.
Hargrave soccer (7-3-1 overall, 6-3-1 conference) will return to action on Tuesday, October 19 when they take on Timberlake Christian at home. Kick-off time is 4pm.
