|
Green Hope 0 @ Apex 1
Green Hope traveled 6 miles to their biggest cross-town rival,
Apex. Apex is having a phenomenal year - ranked #1 in the State
all year long, and undefeated at 17-0. The first meeting between
Green Hope and Apex was a 2-1 thriller that was closely contested.
Both teams played very well throughout the game. Neither team had
many opportunities to score. Apex's best chances came on two corners.
One that was sent to the back post where a Cougar out-jumped a Green
Hope player to get a header toward goal; and another corner opportunity
that fell to the feet of an Apex player who shot it directly to
Green Hope's keeper, Jonathan Schwartz.
Green Hope had two solid chances as well. In the first few minutes,
Green Hope was awarded a free-kick 25 yards from goal. The shot
just sailed over the bar hitting the football crossbar. In the second
half, Ryan Lockhart and Evan Paussa found themselves 2 versus 1,
35 yards from goal. Unfortunately, Apex was able to neutralize the
threat and Green Hope could not get off a good shot at goal.
Regulation ended at 0-0. This was the first game Apex has had a
team take them to over-time. Green Hope was confident they could
spoil Apex's undefeated season. The game was living up to its heated
rivalry hype.
Through the first 10 minute overtime, neither team could score.
In the second overtime, Apex found themselves with a 1 versus 1
on the last Green Hope defender in the box. The Cougar took a shot
that found the back right corner of the net. Apex up 1-0. Shortly
thereafter, Green Hope had a player ejected for a play that happened
behind the ball and the team was faced to fight back the last 2:30
with one less player than Apex.
The Falcons pushed everyone forward leaving only 2 defenders and
tried to equalize. Unfortunately, Green Hope could not find the
back of the net. Time expired and Apex stayed undefeated.
Green Hope played a superb game and showed the heart and desire
necessary to win big games like this one. Unfortunately, they did
not have luck on their side during this fixture. The Falcons are
winners and they will shake off the loss, work hard in training
and fight hard for a win on Monday. This team has amazing character,
determination and grit ... never count them out.
Green Hope is now 10-6-2 and 5-5 in conference play. They face
Lee County at home on Monday for Senior night; and then travel to
Athens Drive on Wednesday. The Falcons are fighting for a wildcard
spot in the State Play-offs and need to have positive results in
their last two games.
|
