SEATTLE –After 60 minutes of regulation time, LC Arsenal and the Nighthawks remained tied at 1-1. On to penalty kicks to decide the outcome of a match that had become very spirited and quite physical in the second half.
The penalty kick shootout was drama-filled. Arsenal went first, but both teams missed their first 3 attempts. In the 4th round Arsenal mid defender Michael placed a beauty in the far right corner to put Arsenal up 1-0. The very next attempt by the Nighthawks also went in. Both Arsenal and the Nighthawks missed the ensuing 3 penalty kicks. Arsenal defender, Matthew buried the winning kick in the eighth round of the penalty kick shootout, and the Nighthawks missed their last attempt. Arsenal’s goal keeper Cameron made no fewer than 4 fantastic saves. With this 4th consecutive tournament win Arsenal clinch a berth in the City Tournament championship, having defeated the Nighthawks 2-1 after a 1-1 draw.
In the first half Arsenal came out strong and and definitely controlled the tempo of the game for the first 15 minutes. There were some missed opportunities on corner kicks that should have went it, and then it seemed as though Arsenal let the game get away a bit and ceded momentum to the Nighthawks. Fortunately for Arsenal, left midfielder, Alex scored a very sweet goal in the 19th minute of play.
The second half was hard fought by both teams. There were many fouls committed, more than a few of which went uncalled. The Nighthawks played extremely tough and did manage a goal in the 48th minute of play to tie the game at 1-1, where it stayed until the end of regulation.
The Nighthawks will play again Thursday night and should they win they would advance for a rematch against Arsenal for the championship in what will most certainly be a fantastic match.
Congratulations to all of the boys on LC Arsenal and to Coach Keith, and a VERY SPECIAL Shout Out to CAMMY! Way to go buddy!!!
Arsenal play next for the Championship on Sat. Dec. 19th at Nathan Hale at 10:30 am.
GO ARSENAL!
