The Hargrave Tigers (5-6-0, 3-0-0) picked up their third straight win with a 2-0 win over the Dragons of Notre Dame Academy (4-6-1) on Saturday in Middleburg, Virginia.
In very defensive minded match-up between the two sides the Tigers notched the first goal of the game from sophomore winger Jin Suk Seo at the 30:32 mark. The Seo goal came from a corner kick taken by junior defender Mike Dalpini from the left side. The Dalpini cross was deflected in the air to the back side of the goal where Seo waited openly for the opportunity. Seo hit the first time loose-ball in the back of the net from about 12 yards out to give the Tigers the opening tally.
The first half would end with the 1-0 scoreline in what continued to be much of a defensive battle between the two sides. The Dragons outshot the Tigers 5-4 during the first 40 mintues, and each side was able to put three shots on goal during that time. Tiger goalkeeper Brad Faught denied all three Dragon opportunities on frame while the away side’s Nick Fletcher was only able to make two stops during the first half.
With the 1-0 advantage in hand the Tigers knew they were in for a match with the arrival of Dragon star forward Joe Peluso, who was an All-State Player last season, and midfielder Rusty Montgomery. Although, the Tigers were able to jump out quickly in the second half to secure a 2-0 advantage with a goal from senior Adam Weiss just two minutes into the half. The Weiss goal, his first of the season, came from a through-ball from senior midfielder Scott Dinius splitting the Dragon back line down the right side. From just inside the penalty area Weiss collected the Dinius pass, took his first touch on the ball forward, and netted home the goal from just outside the six yard box. Newly appointed defender Nathan Bloom was also credited with the helper on the Weiss goal.
A defensive battle continued to be the case for both sides despite the Dragons once again outshooting the Tigers 7-5 during the second period. The Dragons, though, recorded only three shots on goal in the second, and with two outstanding late saves from the Tiger’s Faught Hargrave was able to secure the 2-0 win. The Dragon’s first great chance came from Peluso with around 15 minutes remaining in the match as he found himself in-behind the Tiger defense kept on onsides. Peluso had the break-away opportunity on Faught, but with the help of a trailing Bloom to put pressure on the opportunity from behind Faught was able to come up with stop. Faught then made his most impressive save of the afternoon with less than three minutes remaining on a free-kick from the Dragon’s Montgomery from just outside the penalty area. With the diving save Faught was able to deny the Dragons final opportunity and help to secure the 2-0 win.
