Hargrave 2 – Holy Cross 1
Despite a lackluster second half performance, and an own goal from their opponent the Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team managed to hold off a late surge by Holy Cross, on Thursday, and secure the 2-1 victory.
In the opening half the Tigers immediately made their presence known while controlling the flow of the game both offensively and defensively, almost constantly putting pressure on their opponent’s defense, and continuously creating scoring opportunities.
Hargrave would open the scoring with a little help from their opponent ten minutes into the first half. Off a corner kick taken by Midfielder Nathan LeNoir the ball found its way deflected off an attempted clearence, and into the back of the net. The own goal would give Hargrave the 1-0 lead.
With continued pressure the Tigers would add their second goal of the game six minutes later with a strike from Forward Philippe Armand. The Armand goal is his 8th on the season. LeNoir was credited with the assist on the play.
The Tigers would close out the half with the 2-0 lead.
Throughout the second half the flow of the game would become a tale of day and night for the Tigers. At times the Tigers showed signs of outstanding play with the ball, and at other times could not maintain a good flow of possession.
Yet, the Tiger’s defensive effort once again held strong despite a late surge from Holy Cross. Holy Cross continued to press the Tiger defense, and added a goal with less than 3 minutes remaining. Holy Cross came up just short of tieing the match after another late goal was called back due to offsides. Although, the Tigers held strong and came away with the 2-1 win.
With the victory the Tigers have now put themselves in a position to win the VIC South Division when they travel to Carlisle on Saturday, October 22. The match will feature the top two teams in the South Conference as they both play to win the division. Currently, Carlisle (12-1) maintain first place in the conference, but with a win, and only a win Hargrave (11-1-1) can take over the division lead heading into the VIC playoffs. Game time is set for 3:00.
