Govs lose semifinal to penalty kicks

By Laura Clark

Published: June 4, 2008

As they stripped off socks and shin guards, the Governors didn’t look too upset that they’d just been knocked out of post-season action by George Mason.

After all, they said, it wasn’t like losing in the 2007 state finals. And they had taken the Mustangs through 80 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods, only to have it settled by penalty kicks, 3-0 in George Mason’s favor.

“But I think we had an awesome game,” senior defender Justin Crandall said. “Nothing to regret. Double overtime – it was awesome. It was nerve wracking.”

“They met their match, and that was good,” Gov coach Pete Hauschner said. “I think everybody who saw it should be happy. It was a great game.”

The Region B semifinal game in Falls Church on May 28 started with a quick goal by Nelson. In the 2nd minute of play, Daniel Eggleston’s long throw into the box was headed out by a Mustang defender, directly to Juan Garcia, who ran onto the ball for a one-touch goal into the corner.

The Govs settled down with the goal, seeming to take their time offensively by passing around the 18-yard box.

George Mason’s offense mounted quick counterattacks, and keeper Garth Phillips made a swift diving save in the 13th minute when Elio Randrianasolo blasted a low shot.

Then the Mustangs evened the score with a blooper.

In the 19th minute, Tim Brooks sent a long cross into the box. Phillips was uncontested for the save and he got a hand on the ball, but didn’t grab it and it went over his head into the goal.

This goal changed the flow of the game. The middle of the field was a turnstile for both teams while intense play dominated both 18-yard zones. The urgency only fine-tuned the defensive lines, which cleared with solid touches and anticipated forwards’ passes.

With 15 minutes left in regulation, the Govs had two solid chances for goals. Luke Longanecker’s shot from the wing went past keeper Tyler Back, but a Mustang defender cleared it inches from the goal line. Then two minutes later, Brandon White sent another shot past Back as he came off his line. Again a defender saved George Mason.

The Mustangs sent two free kicks sailing over the goal in the final 10 minutes of regulation. With less than a minute left, Crandall took a 25-yard free kick that hit the crossbar.

Through the next 20 minutes, both teams took aim at each other while clamping down defensively but penalty kicks loomed.

George Mason put Alex Casteuble on the line, wearing a blue penny over his white jersey.

He was the Mustangs’ best keeper, coach Arthur Iwanicki explained, but he was more valuable playing the field.

“He’s an excellent keeper, has good range, and he showed it tonight,” Iwanicki said.

Five players from each team stood at midfield, but only three from each took shots. Mustangs Anthony Andrianarison, Christian Lopez-Flores and Randrianasolo nailed their shots. For Nelson, Longanecker, the first up, and third-kicker Koda Kerl missed the goal high. Casteuble blocked Eggleston’s shot.

“We practiced those penalty kicks for months,” Hauschner said. “We were very confident we were going to win those. I guess it was the pressure.”