Hargrave 2 – Holy Cross 0
The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team has set an unofficial record for the amount of 2-0 results in a single season with the win against Holy Cross, on Tuesday, 2-0. The win gives Hargrave their fifth shutout of the season, and continues their unbeaten streak at 6-0.
The victory can once again be attributed the superb effort put forth from the Tiger defense. Defenders Nick Wynne, Adam Crook, and led by Senior Captains Chris Martelli and Alnor Rodriguez held strong in the back securing the victory for Hargrave. Goalkeepers Geof Frazier and Nathan Bloom saw split time in the goal for the Tigers, and were also key in securing the win with superb play, once again, in-between the pipes.
In the first half of play the Tigers got off to an aggressive start, applying heavy pressure to the Holy Cross defense, and created several opportunities that seemingly could not find their way into the back of the net. As the Tiger attack was left frustrated with near misses, Holy Cross began creating several chances of their own in front of the Hargrave net. Although, the Tiger defense along with several diving saves from goalkeeper Geof Frazier were able to hold their opponent scoreless.
Finally, the offensive pressure for the Tigers payed off with another late goal in the waning moments of the first half. Senior Forward Philippe Armand (1G) added the goal for the Tigers off a long ball from Chris Martelli (1A) out of the back. The long ball found its way bouncing past the Holy Cross defense, and with hurried pressure Armand was able to hold off his defender from the ball while placing a shot perfectly past the keeper.
The Tigers would enter the second half leading 1-0, but would soon add their second goal of the match less than a minute into the half. Off of a corner kick the ball became loose in front of the net as Senior Captain Cody Cameron (1G) fought through the opposing defense, and was there to put Hargrave’s second tally on the board.
Throughout the remainder of the second half Hargrave took over control of the contest, despite not adding any further goals. The Tigers were able to possess the ball effectively and impressively, moving the ball around the field with consistent control. With outstanding movement of the ball up and down the field the Tigers were able to create several more opportunities, but could not capitalize on their chances, including two opportunites from Philippe Armand and Captain Josh Splinter who saw their shots denied by the crossbar late into the second half.
With the control of the game consistently in hand the Tigers would close out the game only allowing five shots during the final half. Goalkeeper Nathan Bloom saw the second half of play in the net for the Tigers, and maintained the position with a solid performance turning away any opportunities on goal for Holy Cross.
Tiger Soccer will return to action on Thursday, September 29, when they travel to take on Timberlake Christian. Game time is set for 4:00.
