Hargrave 12 – Timberlake 1
The Hargrave Tigers Soccer Team finished off the regular season with a convincing 12-1 win over visiting Timberlake on Friday, and secured a second place finish in the VIC Southern Division. This marks the Tigers third straight second place finish in the division, and will once again host their first round conference playoff match against Covenant School out of the Northern Division.
The Tigers came out slowly to begin the first half with sloppy play, but soon found their rhythm midway through the first-half on their way to an 8-1 scoreline at the end of 40 minutes. Sophomore forward Dong Myung Eun recorded his first of two goals on the day six minutes into the game with an assist from defender Adam Crook from a free-kick at half-field. Although, Timberlake would surprise the Tigers as forward Michael King netted the equalizer just three minutes later. The Tigers continued to slowly ease into a rhythm, but were able to get a helper from the Timberlake defense in the 14th minute of play from a Mike Badolato throw-in as it was headed for an own-goal into the back of the net. Less than six minutes later the hard-work of forward Tumi Demuren payed off with his pressure of a Timberlake defender in which senior midfielder Tony Cain took in for the score after the steal. Three minutes later Eun would add his second of the game from a Demuren cross, and less than a minute later midfielder Austin Newman would make good on the end of a Cain cross that came loose as it deflected to the outside of the box. Less than seven minutes later Newman would add his second of the match from a free-kick, and Midfield Captain Scott Dinius would follow with an unassisted strike two minutes later for the Tiger’s seventh. Forward Jim Lee would add the Tigers eighth of the half as Demuren and midfielder Heath Light hooked up for the assists.
To begin the second half the Tigers once again struck early. Recording his 18th goal of the season junior midfielder Mike Badolato gave the Tigers their ninth just seven minutes into the half. Newman and forward JD Skinner were credited with the assists on the Badolato goal. As the second half ran down the Tigers felt the need to switch and mix up a few things including some field time for goalkeeper Nathan Bloom. Bloom made good on first appearence in the field as he scored almost immediately upon entering the game in the 65th minute from a Demuren corner. Nine minutes later Bloom surprised yet again with his second of the match winning the header from a Newman corner to give the Tigers their 11th. With just under five minutes remaining Newman completed his hat-trick, along with two other assists on the day, with another free-kick to beat the keeper.
With the win the Tigers finish their regular season with a record of 11-3-2 overall, 10-2-2 in conference play, and now prepare for their first round match-up against Covenent School in the opening round of the VIC playoffs.
