Varsity is Golden in Nationals Semi-final, 4-3 over KC East

Match time:  Saturday, 10/22/16  11:45 AM
Opponent:  KC East
Location:  Cooper Sports Complex #18, Springfield, MO
Conditions: Sunny and cool

HSAA:  4  (1st ET)
KC East:  3

The HSAA varsity men secured a spot in the championship match in dramatic fashion on Saturday, scoring the golden goal in the first ET period to defeat KC East 4-3.

The teams were evenly matched, and the game proved to be fast and furious.  HSAA struck first when Nolan Gerwing put the ball in the net at the 5' mark.   KC then evened the score, and then went ahead on a free kick from 22yrds out.

In the second half Nolan scored again to tie it up, but KC scored another on a rocket shot to the back post to gain the advantage again, 3-2.

The Angels came back and knotted the score in the 68th minute, as Nolan Gerwing completed a hat trick to keep HSAA in the running for the title.

Despite furious pressure, and some chippy play from both sides, the score remain tied at the end of regulation.  In this tournament, the 6A bracket settles ties with 2 5-minute  extra time periods, which are 'golden goal' (sudden death), then penalties.

Darius Morgan made sure we never made it that far.  On a free kick for a handball, Darius put the ball in the net from 40 yards out to give the Angels the win and send them to the championship match in the 6A bracket.

Special shout-out for play that might not show up in the stat sheet:
Sean Fletcher and Peter Byrd


Stats:
Total Shots:  23
Shots on Goal:  13
Corners taken:  4
Saves: 9
Goals allowed:  3
Goals: 4
   Nolan Gerwing (3)
   Darius Morgan