Hargrave 0 – Holy Cross 0
* This game was won on penalty Shootout
Penalty Hargrave 4 – Penalty Holy Cross 2
There’s a haunting warning that coaches love to use in an effort to motivate their team heading into a game, the second half, or even in this case playing in the Championship Game when a winner will be crowned at the conclusion of a penalty shootout: “You can outshoot your opponent 20-1, but in the end they can still beat you 1-0.” It’s a warning that all coaches hope they never have to be a part of…..
The Hargrave Tigers nearly faced what could have been a haunting and heartbreaking conclusion as they took on conference rival Holy Cross for the VIC Championship on Saturday. The game was for the Tigers to win, but it also turned out that it easily could have been theirs to lose. The defensive effort for the Tigers was superb allowing only four shots during the course of play; four shots in what amounted to 100 minutes plus of play including only two forced saves from goalkeeper Nathan Bloom. The Tigers on the other hand witnessed 21 shots against their opponent, but they also witnessed a terrifying fact that on this day the ball just would not find the back of the net. Superb goalkeeper play from the opponent, goal-line saves from the defense, near misses, and blown opportunities saw all 21 shots for the Tigers left wanting and left the Tigers wondering what outcome would they be meant to face in a game where they were the dominant force in every aspect of the game.
Despite the Tigers numerous oppotunities the Gaels of Holy Cross were able to force the Tigers into a penalty shootout to decide who would walk away calling themselves the 2007 VIC Spring Soccer Champions. The Tigers unfortunately lost the coin toss and were forced into taking the first shot a position that most teams don’t like to be forced into. As the Tigers first shooter concluded his opportunity the haunting feeling of “this is just not meant to be” started crossing the minds of many Tiger supporters and its players as the shot was missed high over the goal. Although, junior goalkeeper Nathan Bloom seemed to have a different perspective on this game’s outcome; a perspective that he would not let his team quit and their moral to be crushed. Bloom kept the Tigers alive as he made a superb diving save on the Gaels first oppotunity giving the Tiger’s next shooter, Junior Captain Scott Dinius, his chance to put the Tigers back in control of the penalty shootout. Dinius made good on his opportunity striking it low and into the right corner of the goal. As the Gaels second shooter concluded his opportunity Bloom once again put the Tigers in complete control of their own fate as he made good on his second save after two shooters. Hargrave’s Senior Captain Nick Barr then had the opportunity to give the Tigers a huge advantage with a 2 goal lead as the Tiger’s third shooter. Barr came through superbly tucking the shot almost in the exact spot that Dinius made good on his score. The Gaels were able to draw one back on their third shooter as Bloom was unable to guess right, but Senior Captain Josh Splinter was able to maintain the advantage for the Tigers as he stepped up to score for the Tigers at the beginning of the fourth round. Bloom nearly ended the game for Tigers as he saw the Gaels fourth shooter just nearly tuck the ball under his diving opportunity for the save. Despite the goal the Tigers still maintained the 3-2 advantage and with their last shooter could close out the match wtih a goal leaving the Gaels no opportunity for their last attempt. Senior Captain Nate Anglin, who had missed nearly half the season due to an ankle injury, was left with the opportunity to end his season on a “storybook” note with the chance to win it for the Tigers. Anglin stepped up calmly and assuringly as he struck home the game winner for the Tigers and embraced his teammates for their first championship in seven years of spring soccer at Hargrave. Not only was it a “storybook” ending for Anglin, but also for the Tiger’s team and its three other Captains who were all, along with Anglin, the Tiger’s final four shooters to score in the penalty shootout.
Oh, and not to mention a certain goalkeeper in Nathan Bloom who put the Tigers back on track with two incredible saves, and who can also be righteously credited for winning the Championship for his Tigers.
Thank you to all of my guys for an incredible and wild finish to a great season!
