MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—East Hamilton fell just short of a tenacious turnaround Tuesday night as it faced Valor College Prep in the DI-AA tournament.
The Hurricanes were all but dead after Valor took a 2-0 lead in the second half. The Wildcats found goals from Michael Lopez and De’Von Colclough in the 23rd and 46th minutes, respectively.
They controlled much of the game up to their second goal and looked no less likely to do the same after.
East Hamilton, however, began to claw its way back into the attacking third. Valor sat in a low block and invited the pressure—comfortable with its lead.
The tide began to change in the 62nd minute when Benji Cole scored to give the Hurricanes life.
From there on East Hamilton maintained pressure and created several chances—mostly in the form of set pieces.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Cole scored for the second time to complete the comeback and send the East Hamilton bench into a frenzy.
Extra time came and went with both teams giving everything to try to come out on top. Exhausted—neither team could find a third goal in open play. Penalties became the growing whisper as other players and fans that had wrapped up their games headed over to watch the unfolding drama.
East Hamilton saw its first spot kick saved as the keeper stood its ground in the middle.
Valor just about thought they won it when its keeper forced the second save of the night. Brayden Hunter struck hard—but the ref called it back as the goalie came off his line too early. Hunter buried the second chance and kept the ‘Canes alive. Ethan Hixson scored East hamilton's third and final PK goal.
One goal down and facing the final kick, East Hamilton needed a save to stay alive, but it was not to be.. After `a fifth final score by Valor's Jad Rahme and the match was out of reach for the Canes, Valor won on penalties, 5-3.
Valor move on to play Knoxville Hall Wednesday. East Hamilton finish the year just short—but not without a commendable season—at 11-7-4.
Score Summary:
East Hamilton 0 2 0 – 2
Valor 1 1 0 – 2 (5-3 penalties)