The fatigue, that sometimes comes with having two games in two days, showed on the Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team as they dropped a heartbreaker to Tunstall High School on Tuesday, 1-2.
The Tigers came out slow, and were not able to create many opportunities in front of their opponent’s goal; the Tigers finished the first half with only four shots. Instead, Hargrave found themselves under continuous pressure, and in a struggle to hold off the Tunstall attack while they were forced to play defense for the majority of the half. The Tiger’s defense held strong, though, and were able to hold Tunstall scoreless until, with three minutes remaining in the half, Tunstall was able to slip one by goalkeeper Garret Torney. A missed clearence fell perfectly to an open Tunstall forward, who easily tapped the ball into the back of the net. Tunstall finished with 12 shots in the half.
Down 0-1 to begin the second half, the Tigers came out with an improved intensity and more of an offensive focus to begin putting pressure on the Tunstall defense. 22 minutes into the half, as Hargrave was searching for the tieing goal, Charles Amos (1G) answered with an assist from Josh Splinter (1A). Splinter won the ball in the corner deep into the Tunstall defensive end, and was able to serve a ball into the box. An oncoming Amos hit a perfect volley off a bouncing ball which sailed into the back of the net.
The Tigers now tied 1-1, continued to look for the go ahead goal, and nearly came up with their second on several occasions. Although, opportunities would miss, and the Tigers were not able to capitalize. Tunstall then shocked the Tigers with another late goal. With six minutes remaining in the game Tunstall pulled ahead 1-2 with a blast into the upper left corner of the goal by Omar Diaz from 18 yards out. Diaz’s goal would end the scoring, and end the game.
The Tigers finished with ten shots in the second half, while allowing only three to their opponent. Although, Hargrave was outshot in the match 15-14. Goalkeeper Garret Torney finished with a strong game, and made ten saves during the course of the match.
Hargrave Soccer (0-1 conference, 1-2 overall) will return to action on Thursday, April 7 for a non-conference match-up against Dan River High School. Kick-off is 5:00 pm at Hargrave.
