Hargrave 1 – North Cross 2 (in Overtime)
The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team came up just short on a hard-fought effort against conference foe North Cross on Tuesday, 1-2.
The Tigers played one of their best games of the season, and did so against one of their toughest challenges of the season in North Cross. Despite being outshot by their opponent 19-11 the Tigers saw several opportunities to grab the advantage on the score board late in the match from a 1-1 stand-off. Although, the Tigers were denied the advantage as they were just inches away from finishing their created opportunities.
The Tigers opened up the game with an intensity that far overshot that of their opponent, and that immediately gave the Tigers the lead less than five minutes after the opening kick-off. With a well-worked give-and-go between Senior Captain Chris Martelli and Junior Paul Spakauskas the Tigers had the lead 1-0. Martelli received possession of the ball around the center of the field where he soon played it off to Spakauskas. Spakauskas received the pass, and quickly played a superb return pass to Martelli who continued his run down the field. With a well controlled touch on the return pass Martelli was able to beat the last defender with his speed and momentum, and create a 1 on 1 opportunity between himself and the opposing goalkeeper. Martelli placed the shot perfectly passed the goalkeeper giving the Tigers the early advantage.
Throughout the first half much of the game remained a stand-off as the Tigers held their 1-0 lead. With superb defensive plays and goalkeeping the Tigers were able to deny close opportunities from their opponent, including several goal line denials in a matter of seconds where goalkeeper Geof Frazier made one key save followed by two goal-line blocks from Defender Patrick Galindo. North Cross, though, were able to pull one back on the Tigers seconds before the half-time whistle from a corner kick opportunity.
With the match tied at 1-1 the second half became a battle back-and-forth to determine who would score the decisive goal. Both teams had opportunities, but both teams were denied the advantage. Late into the game the Tigers saw opportunities to put the game away, including a penalty kick that was denied by the post, but just could not find the extra inch needed to take the lead.
The game would end in regulation 1-1, and head to two five minute overtime periods. Throughout the first overtime period the Tigers put their opponent back on their heels creating three very good scoring opportunities, but yet again the Tigers could not take the advantage. As the second overtime period began North Cross created an opportunity for their only shot of the overtime periods, and 30 seconds scored the decisive goal. Off of a well crossed ball a North Cross Forward was able to get a head on it, and redirected the cross perfectly into the back of the net.
With the loss the Tigers move to 1-1 in conference play, and 2-2 overall.
Game Statistics:
Scoring Summary:
Time Team Goal Scorer/(Assists)
4’ HMA Chris Martelli (Paul Spakauskas)
39’ NCS Ben Hoyt
86’ (2ot) NCS Patrick Karnwie
Shots Summary:
HMA, 11 NCS, 19
Saves Summary:
HMA, 7 NCS, 5
Corner Kicks:
HMA, 2 NCS, 2
Fouls Committed:
HMA, 9 NCS, 7
