Just fifteen minutes into the game, the team gave up a soft goal on a mishandled corner kick to fall behind 1-0. A few minutes later, Ahmed D. was called for a penalty kick on a phantom push. It was politely disputed by the Shorecrest coaching staff, but the call stood as Northside capitalized to take a 2-0 lead. With two goals like that, it couldn't be their night; the team could have collapsed and given up. Instead, they collectively raised their level of intensity and play and put forth the best team effort of the season.
It wasn't more than 5 minutes after the second Northside goal, that captain Jake C. took a pass from Steven W. and placed it into the goal to cut the lead to one. The tide had turned and the Chargers continued to push. A few minutes later, Steven W. took a cross back post and one-timed it to a streaking Phil T. who calmly placed the ball past the Northside keeper to even the game at two a piece.
The second half saw more strange calls that ignited rougher play. The Chargers were on the receiving side this time when Rheese W. was given a p.k. for a push in the box. He powered it into the right side of the net to complete the comeback. Shorecrest continued to create despite the physical play, but couldn't score. The penalty kick party came full circle when the Chargers were again called for a penalty in the box with seven minutes remaining. Fortunately, the Northside player barely sent the ball off of center as Ahmed D. saved the shot to maintain the lead.
It wasn't until the last second though that the team could relax, as one last free kick by Northside went unrewarded.
A big, big win and an outstanding effort by everyone on the team!!
