The potential state-champions suffered defeat in their fight for the regional championship Saturday. A combative game throughout, the Maples lost in a shootout against Dexter.
“We played wonderfully. We had the chance and you know, things don’t always go as you hoped,” said head coach David Reed-Nordwal, “their goalie had some incredible saves.”
The Dexter Dreadnaughts scored the first goal of the game in the middle of the second half with a free kick from the thirty yard line.
“It was so scary,” said senior fan Brooke MacGregor, “but we still had hope.”
The Seaholm fans didn’t lose faith, and clearly neither did the players.
The Maples came back with a goal from mid-fielder Josh Woods with only four and a half minutes to go.
“Our adrenaline was pumping after the first goal, we thought for sure we had it,” said junior Michael Beck, “but it just didn’t happen.”
The game finished one to one in regulation and an overtime period was necessary to settle the bout. Two sudden-death over times were filled with some beautiful playing by Seaholm, but no goals were scored, despite many chances.
Then came the shootout.
Five players from each team lined up for one final chance to win the regional title.
The kickers alternated, and regardless of some great shots, only two made it in.
Seniors Chase Panosian and Will Kane were able to beat the keeper, and Jentzen Mehl had an impressive save.
Ultimately, however, Dexter prevailed and the final score read 2-1, Dexter.
“It was heartbreaking,” said senior and devoted fan Chris Howe.
