Led by superb defensive and midfield play the Hargrave Tigers were able to better their record to 3-0 on the season with a 3-1 win over the Carlisle Chiefs.
The Tigers came out firing in the early going with good offensive and defensive pressure. Mike Badolato opened the scoring for the Tigers, with his sixth goal in three games, four minutes after the opening whistle with an unassisted goal. Badolato won the loose ball just outside the Chiefs defensive third, and found enough room to continue the ball forward until beating the last defender for an easy placement in past the goalkeeper. The Tigers sat on the 1-0 lead until 14 minutes later when the Chiefs were awarded a penalty kick. Chiefs Captain Cody Franklin finished off the ensuing penalty kick and leveled the score at 1-1.
Play remained scoreless for most of the remainder of the first half with play leveling out back and forth between the two sides. Although, the Tigers saw several more opportunities just sail wide of the goal or denied by great goalkeeping from Carlisle keeper Trent Sydnor. With just over five minutes remaining in the half, though, Captain Scott Dinius gave the Tigers the 2-1 lead, and the eventual game-winning goal for the away side. Dinius won the ball around the midfield stripe, and once again, like Badolato, found space to take the ball forward. Dinius took on the Carlisle defense down the left side beating the sweeper for a shot on goal that found a partial deflection and into the back of the net.
With the 2-1 lead in hand at the break the Tigers would enter the second half with an even better showing than the first with increased defensive and midfield pressure around the ball. Along with good pressure and pace going forwards with the ball Dong Myung Eun added the Tigers third goal of the match seven minutes into the second half. Eun was assisted on the play by left wing Tony Cain after a continuous fight for the ball down the left side. Cain then got free and sent in a well-driven cross towards the back post finding the head of right winger Heath Light. Light put a fantastic shot on goal only to be denied by the Chiefs keeper. Although, Eun would be there to follow-up the shot that came loose off the save.
With the 3-1 cushion the Tiger’s defense began to take over. With an injury to left back Cameron Giannini midfielder Scott Dinius filled in for the majority of the game. Along with fellow Captain Nate Anglin, Dinius, and senior defender Adam Crook gave the Chiefs offense fits shuting down any forwards progress to be attempted. The defense assisted by great midfield play and pressure from Badolato, Captain Josh Splinter, and Junior Austin Newman held the Chiefs to only two shots in the second half. Junior goalkeeper Nathan Bloom played superbly in net controlling his box, and denied the only shot that found its way on mark in the second half.
The Tigers will return to action on Monday, September 18 when they travel to take on Benedictine. Currently ranked as the number three team in the state the Tigers face a tough match, but with much anticipation.
Game Statistics:
Scoring Summary:
Time Team Goal Scorer/(Assists)
5’ HMA Badolato (unassisted)
19’ CS Franklin (pk)
34’ HMA Dinius (unassisted)
48’ HMA Eun (Light, Cain)
Shots Summary:
HMA, 17 CS, 6
Saves Summary:
HMA, 4 CS, 9
Corner Kicks:
HMA, 5 CS, 1
Fouls Committed:
HMA, 6 CS, 2
