Green Hope hosted Sanderson in the 4th round (final 8) of the State Playoffs. The winner of this match up will face Broughton in the Final Four, as Broughton beat Hoggard 24 hours earlier.

Knowing that this would be the last home game for Green Hope this year and the last one ever for seniors, Kyle Bandy, Ryan McDonnell and sophomore exchange student, Magnus Sorensen, the team was motivated to have a great finale on their home field for their school fans.

The Falcons looked strong for the first few minutes and had some quality chances to score. A set piece by Sorensen and Murphy was set up well, but the final pass (shot?) was just off the mark. Sanderson did not get any good looks, but they capitalized early on a poor clearance from the GH defense on a throw-in and scored for the 1-0 lead.

Green Hope answered quickly as Martin Murphy hit a fantastic free-kick bending and dipping over the wall from 24 yards away to tie it 1-1. Soon thereafter, Ryan Steele served a ball into the box from the right midfield, Sanderson misplayed it and Murphy hovering around the top of the 18 yard box, struck it hard and low with his left foot for the 2-1 lead.

As time was expiring in the first half, Alex Long, who has been super with distribution all year, hit a wonderful punt that was flicked on to Magnus Sorensen. Magnus beat his defender down the right flank and served a precise ball to Kyle Bandy who calmly buried it in the net for the 3-1 lead just before halftime.

The Falcons had a few chances in the second half and were able to control the midfield. However, none of their chances or possession converted to a goal. With approximately 20 minutes left, Sanderson had another long throw-in that was not cleared by the Falcons and Sanderson scored again to make it 3-2.

Green Hope held on for the 3-2 win during a tense last 15 minutes. Green Hope advances to the final four for the third time in four years as they face Broughton on Tuesday night at Broughton.