A Saturday morning match made for high drama when the Maroons looked to avenge an early season loss to the Timothy Christian Trojans.

Fielding a depleted line-up, the Maroons proved with their tenacity, that more than pride was on the line. The match was very closely officiated, which was evident in the 27th minute when a hand ball was called in the box against U-High. The resulting penalty kick left the team down 1-0 at the half in the score column, and an unfortunate injury to starting mid-fielder Dean Balabanov dropped one of the most dangerous players from the line-up.

U-High played from behind most of the second half, but was able to find many quality chances. As time was running out, things suddenly started to change. In the 58th minute Amir Hay followed the coaches plan and switched the field on a beautiful cross that Tom Healy was able to one-touch into the goal to equalize the score. Two minutes later Tim Thomas stole the ball from a defender who was bringing the ball up, and slotted one on the ground past the keeper giving the Maroons the lead for the first time.

The drama continued in the next minute as the Trojans were awarded a second penalty kick (which they converted) for a hand ball on the edge of the box. With the score now tied, U-High felt an impending sense of urgency. A third intentional handball was called against a U-High player with the score tied, resulting in a second yellow card for that player. The Maroons were given a soft red, and allowed to continue with 11 players. Martin Garrett-Currie (in a performance evocative of Willis Reed) came off the bench and scored the winning goal on a break away in the 67th minute.

Congratulations to the Maroons who finished the season 11-3-2, and 6-0 in conference. The coaches are very proud of all the players and the growth they’ve shown over the season.

Posted on October 20th, 2008 by dkaleta
Filed under: HS Boys Soccer