Varsity Soccer vs. EMHS Invitational – Christchurch

On a cool and early Saturday morning the Hargrave Tigers (2-3) faced off against their second opponent of the EMHS Invitational as they took on the No. 17 Christchurch Seahorses (2-4-1). The Seahorses scored with just under three minutes remaining with a goal from Charly Benhase to avoid overtime and secure the victory.

The contest clearly began and ended as a defensive battle between both sides. Hargrave was able to control a large majority of the possession in the central midfield through senior Scott Dinius and junior Kenny Mattimore, but were not able to find many scoring opportunities as they finished with three shots on goal of six total shots in the half. The Tiger defense led by senior captain Charles Field, with the help of defensive wings Austin Koeneman and Mike Dalpini only allowed two shots during the first half of play, and helped the midfield to control possession of the ball in the Christchurch half for most of the first period. The first half would end in a scoreless draw.

With the second half underway the physicality of play began to increase as the defensive battle continued on both ends. As time moved on in the second Christchurch began playing more in the Tiger’s defensive third as apparent fatigue began to set-in. Tiger goalkeeper Nathan Bloom was called on five times to make a save in the half as the Seahorses increased their shot output to 9 shots with five of those coming on net. With three minutes remaining in the second Benhase would make good on the Seahorses fifth and final shot on goal to secure the victory. The Seahorses Adam Gilley won the ball deep in the Tiger’s defensive third along the right flank, dribbled into the penalty area, and put a precise crossed ball along the six in front of the Tiger’s goalmouth. Benhase was there with the volley to put the contest away with just minutes remaining.

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