VA Wins a Thriller over Cardigan

Sarp scored twice early, both assisted by Austin, and then ten minutes later, they answered with two quick goals. We exchanged goals again, and it was 3-3 at half. In the 2nd half, Alvaro scored a penalty, but it was disallowed because apparently Sarp stepped in the upper half circle part of the box too early. I correctly argued that if he encroached the box too early, it should be a re-kick, but the ref gave possession to Cardigan. It was a tough call. Alvaro then had another pk attempt get saved moments later. In the 58th minute, Cardigan scored on a tough-angle short-side shot from a corner kick to make it 4-3. In the 71st minute, Rodri took a free kick from 25-30 yards and beat the keeper to the far side, straight down off the crossbar and in. It was an awesome shot and it stole the momentum back. In the 76th minute, Austin settled a cross inside the box and beat the keeper with a powerful strike to make it 5-4. We held on to win the game. 

 

Our team was so excited. After this game, and after KUA, the guys were cheering and singing in the bus the entire way home. The JV boys the past 2 to 3 years might have been a bit stronger because of our physicality and the upperclassmen we had, but this young group has some of the best chemistry of any team I've coached at VA. They are all invested in our success as a team, they care about getting better, and they all support each other. It's awesome to be a part of.