Solo Posted March 7, 2009 Report Posted March 7, 2009 It was a good game and both teams played hard. Where's Islander with his story?
Islander Posted March 7, 2009 Report Posted March 7, 2009 The game was a 1-1 tie with PNG winning the shoot-out. The score was not 2-1 as the title reports.
Islander Posted March 7, 2009 Report Posted March 7, 2009 With second place at stake, the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears soccer team earned a 1-1 tie against the Port Neches Groves Indians on Friday night at Battlin’ Bears Stadium. The Indians won the shoot-out 4-2 to take sole possession of second place in the district. The game was an entertaining and hard-fought contest that was tied after two overtime periods. The Bears out-shot the Indians by a 24-11 margin. The Bears also appeared to have the upper hand over the Indians. “The difference was just one unlucky goal. We were one bounce from winning the gameâ€, according to Bears Coach Matt Wedel. The "unlucky" goal occurred in the first half at the twenty minute mark. "The ball was bouncing around in front of our goal like a pinball," said Wedel for what seemed like an eternity. "We couldn't clear the ball from our goal quick enough and they headed it into the goal. The header gave the Indians a 1-0 lead that stood to halftime. During the second half, the Indians defense withstood several offensive runs to prevent the Bears from scoring. Then, Captain T.C. Scalfano came to the Bears' rescue. At approximately the sixty minute mark, Scott Karasik delivered a nice pass to Scalfano at the middle of the field. “I turned around with the ballâ€, described Scalfano. “A defender charged at me so I went to my left. I then shot the ball to the upper corner and it went in.†Scalfano’s shot, with several Indian surrounding him, was from the ten yard line. “It was a gorgeous shotâ€, said Wedel. Indians’ Coach Don Sandell was also impressed with Scalfano’s play. “Our whole defense was set up to shut #15 (Scalfano’s number) downâ€, Sandell said. “I told my team ‘do not let him shoot’ and then he made that shot.†“That shot†tied the game at 1-1. Neither team was able to score for the remainder of the second half. In the two overtime periods, the two tired teams struggled to score. After the spirited play during regulation time, the teams mustered up what energy that they had left. Both teams' strong determination allowed them to play hard as their defenses successfully prevented any goals. The tied game forced the game to a shoot-out. Scalfano and Ben O’Fiel powered their kicks into goals for the Bears. The Indians, however, won the shoot-out 4-2. Although disappointed with the tie, Wedel was proud of his team’s play. “It was a very intense game. Both teams were aware that we were playing for second place tonight,†Wedel commented. “The whole team played well. And, Scalfano played really well.†The Bears travel to Beaumont on Tuesday to play the Central Jaguars for the final game of the district schedule. Friday’s game was senior night for the Bears. The team celebrated the last home game of the season by honoring its seniors. The team recognized Colt Arteaga, Seth Arteaga, Howard Griffin, Greg Gravett, Brett Heil, Darrell Lawrence, Ben O’Fiel, Max Perkins, T.C. Scalfano, and manager Jordan Brooks for their many and profound contributions to the team. “Senior night was better than I thought it would beâ€, said three-year varsity defender Brett Heil. “I gave my all. We played from the heart starting at the game’s opening kick-off. It was my last time to play on this field and I wanted to do my best.†The talented group of seniors played their best Friday night. They will be sorely missed.
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