October 29, 2009

GFS 2, Hill School 1

 

In the Tigers ' final tuneup before their semi-final playoff game, GFS boys varsity soccer defeated the Hill School 2-1 in an exciting, well-played, spirited game. " I thought both teams played well, but we came away with the victory with a last-minute goal," said coach Matt Zipin.

"We had the better of the play early on, and we had plenty of chances in the first half," said Zipin.  "At one point, Ibz Kamara crossed the ball from the right side to an open Jason Symonette, but Jason's header went just wide.  A few minutes later, Manolo Sanchez--looking for the goal that would tie him with Mbizo Mzamane '06 for the highest scorer in GFS history--beat several players, dribbled to the right of the 18-yard box and drilled a shot that beat the goalie and hit the post.  It bounced straight back and we didn't score.  Meanwhile, Hill scored in the 29th minute when, after a defensive series in which we didn't clear the ball well, the ball was sent from the left side of the box to a wide open player at the far post who easily headed it home.  So we went into halftime down 1-0."

In the second half, defenders Mike Pinover, Brendan Turner, Nick Marini, Evan Miller and Hank Goldenberg kept Hill at bay, and goalie Jay Query handled every ball confidently and consistently.  Meanwhile, Marcelo Osorio-Soto, Jason and Manolo kept getting the ball and making plays in the Hill half.  "Finally, in the 51st minute, Manolo picked up a loose ball and made a great solo effort, beating several players and then pushing the ball to the left of the onrushing goalie.  He then blasted the ball with his left foot into the far right corner of the goal.  It was a great goal, it tied the game, and it was Manolo's 57th career goal, tying him with Mbizo," said Zipin.  "A few minutes later, Manolo lunged for a ball about 18 yards out and toe-poked it towards the goal.  It hit the post straight on and bounced back.  I have never seen anyone hit the post as many times as Manolo has this year--at least 8-10 times, most in the last 5 games.  2 inches to the left and this would have been another goal.  But then, with both teams pushing hard for a final goal, Manolo made another superb play, bursting forward, getting to a loose ball just ahead of the goalie, dribbling once and driving the ball across the goal mouth.  Marcelo, who scored the game-winner against George 2 games ago, came flying in and knocked the ball into the back of the net from a few yards out.  This put us ahead 2-1 with a minute and a half to go.  We thought we could rest, but Hill, desperate, kept driving towards goal.  They had a low shot that Jay fumbled and dropped--a rarity for him this season--but, luckily, Mike Pinover was there to clear it away.  Then, with only seconds left, Hill got a free kick and drove the ball into the goal mouth, where the ball bounced around a few time while we anxiously awaited the final whistle.  Finally the ref signaled the game over and we relaxed and celebrated."