The Hargrave Tigers (2-4) in their third and final game of the EMHS Invitational met with No. 9 the Panthers of Paul VI (3-4). With the Tigers playing their fourth game in three days and only four hours following their match-up with Christchurch the Tigers took the field with tired and heavy legs. The Tiger fatigued showed as the majority of the match-up was played in Hargrave’s half of the field, and the final shot count left the Panthers at a distance, 24-4.
As play began it appeared that the Tigers were in for a long game as the energy level was clearly lacking for Hargrave, and the Panthers immediately began knocking the ball around their offensive half creating opportunities. At the 10:54 mark the Panthers Joe Powell opened the scoring after following a shot from fellow forward Scott Morello. The Tiger’s goalkeeper Nathan Bloom was able to make the initial save on the Morello shot, but gave up an unfortunate rebound that Powell was able to capitalize on.
Despite the early goal and fatiguing conditions the Tigers continued to battle on the defensive end until opportunities were allowed for them to go forward. Fifteen mintues later following the Panther goal senior captain Scott Dinius capitalized on one of the Tiger’s few chances with a shot from nearly 25 yards out at the 25:33 mark. Dinius collected a pass from junior midfielder Kenny Mattimore down the center and was able to maneuver around his marker to create enough space to get the shot off. The Dinius shot sailed clearly over the unexpecting Panther goalkeeper into the left corner to draw Hargrave even.
The first half would end in a 1-1 draw despite Paul VI having clearly the more opportunities. Although, due to superb play from the Tiger defense of Charles Field, Austin Koeneman, Mike Dalpini (all on tired legs), and five outstanding saves from Bloom in net the Tigers were able to hold off the 13 shot output from the Panthers.
The second half quickly became a defensive battle for the Tigers as, once again, Paul VI controlled most of the possession in the Tiger’s half. With an unfortunate red card midway through the half the Tigers would be left a man down, and forced to maintain a defensive hold throughout much of the remaining time. The Tigers would be unable to record a single shot on goal during the second as they faced 11 more shots from their opponent. Though, with continued fight from the Tiger defense and seven more saves from Bloom the Tigers were able to keep the Panthers in a 1-1 deadlock throughout the second half and into overtime.
At the end of 90 minutes, which included the 10 minute overtime period, the Tigers walked off the field exhausted and fatigued. Yet a penalty shoot-out still loomed to give the Tigers a chance to steal away the win. Unfortunately, the Tigers were unable to score in the second round of penalties as all five Panther shooters scored to take the shoot-out 5-3.
