Cultivating Christian Minds and Character
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Winter 2008 Season
Cats bow out of districts with tough loss
Despite a valiant effort, the Westminster Christian Academy Men’s Soccer Team ended their season yesterday afternoon with a tough…aggressive…and determined…but, unfortunately, unsuccessful effort against a physical MICDS Ram squad. While the final tally of 2-0 did not fully reflect the 80 minute battle, it is fair to say that the Cats did their best…tried their hardest but, in the end, were unable to overcome an early 1-0 deficit, despite having many chances of their own. In a game very similar to the Cat’s first round district loss against Kennedy last year, the team fell behind early and couldn’t muster the goals needed for the comeback. Although the Wildcats fell short, their effort and desire was never lacking, fighting tenaciously until the final whistle.
The Cats began the game aggressively. At the 2:10 mark Conner Hunsicker challenged with a blast from 10 yards out but the shot was stuffed by the Ram keeper. Just over a minute later, Jacob Appelbaum served a high cross from the left side that barely missed the charging Hunsicker but was controlled by an aggressive Tim Miller but his shot missed wide right. At the 5:08 mark, Cat goalie Tim Reed made a solid save of the Ram’s first scoring effort but at the 7:43 mark, Reed was unable to stop a Ram forward who, though appearing to be off-sides, beat Reed to the near post. For the rest of the half, the Cats controlled play but the Ram defense was solid. The best opportunity to even the match occurred at the 30:10 mark when Jake Grimes, starting from his defensive position, made an aggressive run down the left side, completed the charge with a slick pass to Hunsicker in front of the Ram net but, again, Hunsicker’s shot was cleanly caught by the Ram keeper.
The final 40 minutes witnessed both teams playing an aggressive and physical style. The Rams strategy was obvious…they were going to protect their lead. The Cats, on the other hand, continually attacked. At the 44:20 mark, Grimes stole an errant pass at midfield, passed to Hunsicker who returned the ball to Grimes streaking down the left side. Grimes quickly crossed the ball to Appelbaum on the right side but Appelbaum’s quick shot on goal was deflected wide right by the Ram keep. At the 57:45 mark, Grimes, Hunsicker and Appelbaum had a similar opportunity. Grimes, with an aggressive midfield tackle, allowed Hunsicker the same opportunity to return the ball to Grimes streaking down the left side again. Unfortunately, Grimes’ cross to Appelbaum sailed wide left and out of play. The Ram’s first opportunity came in the 59th minute when, on a quick counter attack, a Ram forward fired an arching shot from 35 yards out but Reed made a fantastic leaping effort to deflect the ball over the net. For the next 15 minutes, Hunsicker, Miller, Appelbaum, Matt Hudnut, Anthony Pritchett and Grimes had scoring opportunities but the Ram defense played solid. Finally, at the 67:20 mark, an aggressive Ram forward iced the game by beating Reed lower right.
Overall the Cats should be very proud of their effort this season. The team was full of young players but also had great senior leadership. There were only five seniors on the team, but the role they played in the success of the team this year was obvious. Senior captains Matt Reilly and Caleb Olson, leaders on and off the field, demonstrated there hard work ethic to younger players who will undoubtedly remember it in years to come. Seth Lillenberg provided a spark to the team with strong and aggressive play and a “never-say-die” attitude. John Caldwell and Teddy Sutcliffe demonstrated their leadership with their always positive attitude and never ending support for the team.
After the loss of 11 seniors in the previous year, including seven starters, the Cats’ hope for a winning record were unclear entering this season. The display of work shown throughout the season proved to be vital as the Cats finished the season with a 12-11-1 record. Although the Cats have to go at least another year without a district title, they have continued to stay positive even in defeat. The success of a team is not always determined by the wins and losses column and, no matter the outcome, the WCA Wildcats had a great season. As always, the team represented WCA with style and class.
Scoring summary:
7:43 MICDS 67:20 MICDS