Logan Montano lifted a perfect pass toward the goal that Max Cail whipped into the net with his head, giving the ConVal boys soccer team a dramatic 2-1 overtime win over Oyster River on Monday night in Exeter.
The Division II semifinal win over the previously unbeaten Bobcats puts No. 5 ConVal in the finals against No. 2 Campbell on Friday night at 7:15 p.m.
Conval’s all-out effort, especially in the first half when they continually pinned the stunned Bobcats in their own end, saw numerous substituted players dropping to the ground on the sidelines in exhaustion, with leg cramps, and even with headaches.
But there was sweet payoff in going all-out. That first half pressure culminated with Harlan
Bielegus’ pass toward the net, finding the feet of Paxton Lothrop, and giving ConVal a 1-0 lead that they sustained until halftime.
The second half was another story as the favored Bobcats found their rhythm and
continually forced the action in the ConVal zone. That’s when an Oyster River forward eluded Montano’s pursuit, and his pass to a teammate all alone in front of the net made it 1-1.
In the sudden victory overtime, the Cougars took command once more, pressuring the Oyster River goal. And with about five minutes gone, Montano and Cail broke through, sending ConVal to the championship game—their third title game appearance in seven years.
“Great job tonight, and we’ve got an even bigger job on Friday!” shouted Cail to his teammates afterwards.
A time to regroup, catch their breath, and savor a win for the ages.