The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team closed out the regular season, topping off a five game winning streak, with a victory over Holy Cross, 3-2.
The Tigers were pitted against another very tough, very skilled opponent, in Holy Cross, in which they once again had to pull together as a team to close out the win.
In the early stages of the first half the Tigers came out flat, and were not able to control the flow of play. Holy Cross immediately came at the Tigers, putting pressure on the defense, and creating several scoring opportunities. Five minutes into the half, Holy Cross struck, leaving the Tigers trailing early-on, 0-1. The goal came on a cross from the left side, across the face of the goal, and right onto the head of an open Holy Cross attacker directly in front of the net.
The Tigers, though, began to show life as they began creating scoring opportunities of their own, after allowing the early goal. Opportunities would fall short, though, as play continued to shift back-and-forth.
Although, the Tigers would not be denied, as Captain Kayode Ogunnaike (1G) notched the Tiger’s first goal with 16 minutes remaining in the half. The assist was credited to William Tolan (1A) when he sent in a flighted ball, from out of the back, into towards the far post. Ogunnaike ran on to the through ball, took a touch forward, and placed the ball into the back of the net, tieing the game at 1-1.
The Tigers, though, would find themselves down at the half 1-2 when, with two minutes remaining, Holy Cross notched their second goal of the game. On a free-kick, 25 yards out, the shot was sent in. Goalkeeper Garret Torney made the initial save, but could not hold onto the ball. The rebound came out, and an open Holy Cross player followed up the shot putting the ball into the back of the net with ease.
In the second half the Tigers would spring to life, once again, and immediately began putting pressure on their opponent’s defense. The Tigers came out strong, creating several scoring opportunities. Although the early opportunities could not be capitalized on, the Tigers continued to maintain control of the second half, and shut-down the Holy Cross attack with another solid defensive effort from the Tiger’s back line.
The continued pressure would pay off for the Tigers, though, as they would notch the score at 2-2 with 17 minutes remaining in the game. Josh Splinter created an opportunity for the Tigers, but was fouled inside the box before getting the shot away. Captain Charles Amos (1G) would put away the ensuing penalty kick, bringing the Tigers to an even score.
The Tigers would not let the game end in an draw, and continued to put on the pressure. Then, with eight minutes remaining, Austin Newman (1G) put away the game winner, giving the Tigers the 3-2 lead. Newman blasted a loose ball, from just inside the box, into the corner of net giving the Holy Cross goalkeeper no chance for the save.
The Tigers closed out the victory with another strong performance both offensively and defensively. The defense of William Tolan, John Yu, Nick Wynne, Charles Amos, Chris Martelli, and goalkeeper Garret Torney once again were able to hold of their opponent with a hard-fought showing in the back. The Tiger’s midfield of Austin Newman, Nathan LeNoir, Josh Splinter, and Miguel Garzozi were all intricate in controlling the midfield, and helping in creating and securing the come-back. Forwards Kayode Ogunnaike, James Yu, and Daniel Kroh all put forth an outstanding effort, keeping pressure on their opponent’s defense, and creating scoring opportunities for the Tigers.
Hargrave Soccer (9-3-1 overall, 8-3-1 conference) will now prepare for the playoffs, with their first game to be held on October 26. Opponent, time, and location is TBA.
