Hargrave 3 – Holy Cross 2
The Hargrave Tigers gave themselves a chance to still take 2nd in the VIC Southern Division as they came out on top of an intense and physically played game over the Gaels of Holy Cross, 3-2. With the win the Tigers were able to avenge an earlier loss to the Gaels in Lynchburg; a game that was as equally competitive that saw the home side come out on top 2-1 in overtime.
The Tigers jumped out early surprising their opponent just two minutes into the match as forward Dong Myung Eun was able to get on the end of a Mike Badolato cross, and snuck the contested ball just into the corner netting. Most of the play evened out for the remainder of the half, but with the Tigers only giving up one good scoring opportunity to their opponent; an opportunity in which Tiger goalkeeper Nathan Bloom pushed away for the save. The Tigers on the other hand were unable to finish on several other opportunities with near misses or finger tip saves from the Gaels goalkeeper. Although, the Tigers would find the net once again just before the halftime whistle with a goal from Badolato adding to his previous assist. From a Tiger corner kick forward Tumi Demuren was able to get the shot off with a superb header on goal, but saw his oppotunity denied by the crossbar. Badolato, though, was there to follow-up the loose ball, and buried home the 2-0 lead.
As the second half begun the Gaels came out with a renewed presence on the field, and were able to put the Tiger defense under added pressure creating several good opportunities in front of goal. Seven minutes into the half the Gaels would grab one back making it a 2-1 game. Although, less than a minute later junior Captain Scott Dinius put the Tigers back in front by two off of a Tony Cain corner that came loose outside of the box. Dinius drove forward striking the attempt first-time and barried the ball into the corner from nearly 20 yards out. With the 3-1 lead the Tigers looked to regain control, but a defensive miscommunication six minutes later led to the Gaels second of the match with an uncontested shot into the corner netting, and putting the Tigers back under pressure with the score now at 3-2 with nearly 25 minutes remaining in the game. As the remaining 25 minutes count down the intense and physical play only heightened. Although, the Tigers were able to hold onto the 3-2 win despite several goal-line stands in the closing moments of the match. The Tiger defense held strong under the increased pressure from the Gaels’ attack as they played with an increased sense of urgency, and secured the important win.
With the win the Tigers move to 9-2-2 in conference play, and now have put themselves in a position to take second place in the VIC Southern Division for regular season play with a win over Timberlake on Friday. With the win the Tigers would host their first round conference playoff match, and move to 11-3-2 overall heading into the post-season play.
Game Statistics:
|
Team |
1 |
2 |
OT |
OT |
Final |
|
Hargrave |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Holy Cross |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Scoring Summary:
Time Team Goal Scorer/(Assists)
2’ HMA Eun (Badolato)
39’ HMA Badolato (unassisted)
47’ HC Leah (unassisted)
48’ HMA Dinius (Cain)
55’ HC Bono (unassisted)
Shots Summary:
HMA, 23 HC, 19
Saves Summary:
HMA, 6 HC, 4
Corner Kicks:
HMA, 3 HC, 2
Fouls Committed:
HMA, 15 HC, 9
