Photo by Lizzie Caron
Kissimmee, Fla. – The Central Christian College men's soccer team wrapped up their trip to the NCCAA National Championships and their 2022 campaign with a 3-0 loss in game two of pool play on Wednesday against the Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks.
The box score definitely favors the top seeded Redhawks but it doesn't tell the whole story. Yes the Redhawks finished with more shots than the Tigers (16 to 6) and shots on goal (5 to 2), but the Tigers were not outmatched. The time of possession was pretty equal and the Tigers were able to threaten the Redhawk defense on multiple occasions. However, executing the final touch, something that at times has plagued the Tigers all season, was present in their final match. They struggled with their ability to finish.
The Tigers knew their only hope of advancement to the semifinals was with a win over the Redhawks, and their style of play reflected their sense of urgency. They had a couple of good looks in the first half, but nothing materialized. The consolation was that despite their aggressive style of play, their defense was solid, and was able to keep the Redhawks off the score board as well.
The second half started much the same way that the first half ended. The Tigers looked for opportunities to get in behind the Redhawk defense with their own defense keeping the quick and talented Redhawk forwards in check. The stalemate continued until the 58
th minute. Roberts Wesleyan played a ball high into the air toward the 18 yard box. A Tiger defender and a Redhawk forward challenged the ball off the bounce. As the two jumped into the air, the Tiger defender was bumped and knocked off line, losing his balance as he landed. The ball landed at the foot of the Redhawk striker he took a dribble to his left and buried the ball past a diving Sebastian Herrera. With that goal, the dam burst and the Redhawks scored two more goals in a 10 minute span to put the game out of reach.
Coach Hoxie summed up the experience saying, "Tough way to go out of the event and end our season. What a battle with these guys. I thought we were brilliant in the first 45, controlling the game, limiting the spaces, creating chances, and forcing them into tough situations. We were half decent going forward, almost scoring on several occasions."
He added, "The second half was a different story. The physical nature of our style and the game started to take its toll on our legs. We were left vulnerable and they have a couple of special players that changed the game for them. Once we got behind by two, the game was practically over as we were not scoring 3 times in 20 mins."
He concluded by saying, "The lesson to be learned is that we lost the tournament yesterday. Needing to beat the top seed was always going to be a tall task. If we had taken our chances yesterday, today would have been completely different. These guys wouldn't have broken us down, they need space to run, and that wouldn't have happened. But, it is what it is, and we just weren't good enough in the moments today. The hardest part is that today ended the Tiger careers of several legendary players. Guys that have been with me, been with us, and have been complete program changers in all areas. I am glad that I've had the opportunity to be a part of their lives."
The Tigers finish the season with an overall record of 10-7-5.
