Sports

Soccer: SLHS Boys Down Herndon in 4OT

Header in second sudden-death period moves Seahawks to next round of Northern Regional.

It took four overtimes, but defeated 3-2 at Herndon Tuesday to advance in the Northern Region Boys Soccer Tournament.

It was a an upset for the Seahawks, who had not defeated the Hornets in several seasons. The Hornets came into the game on a three-game winning streak and an 11-2-3 record.

Matt Kearns, recently promoted from the junior varsity, scored the winning goal for South Lakes, which now moves on to play at Lake Braddock on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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"It was a great effort from our boys, resilient, never gave up even after we went down," said South Lakes coach Marty Pfister. "Just tremendous. I am almost speechless." 

South Lakes (7-5-4) opened the score about halfway into the first half on a goal by senior defender Mitch Dempster. Herndon came back shortly thereafter scoring two on set plays (free kicks on fouls), about 35 yards from identical spot on the left side of the field to the far post (corner of the goal over goalie's head), by senior defender Alex Bednarek.

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The goals came about two minutes apart and the score was 2-1 at the half.

The Seahawks tied it midway through the second half on a goal by junior midfielder Jorge Noboa.

While both teams had several scoring opportunities in the two five-minute overtimes, the score remained 2-2.

The game then went to sudden-death in the third overtime.. 

South Lakes goalie Kevin Cronin had a big save in the third OT, moving the game to the fourth OT. That's when Dempster fired a throw-in, setting up Kearns' header.

I am not sure what happened on the last play," said Seahawks' defender Dylan Katz. "My task was to block the goalie's view, next thing I know, ball is in the net."

South Lakes' defense had an excellent night, holding Herndon leading scorers Patrick McLaughlin (9 season goals) and EK Korvah (10 goals) scoreless.


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