I can't believe we had to do this again:
At Fort Mill, after OT and 13 pairs of PKs (11-10):
Fort Mill 3
Clover 2
I am just an awful excuse for a parent
. I was sure FM was finished at halftime. Clover was up 2-0 after goals by Kelsie Hamilton (16:00) and Britta Widenhouse (36:00). I looked at my wife, shrugged, said "Oh, well, it had to happen eventually..." and pretty much gave up.
Fortunately, I am neither a coach nor a player, because FM did not give up. FM charged back in the second half and took it to the Blue Eagles. Kaitlyn Marr banged home a rebound at 43:00 and FM was back in the hunt. Clover tried like crazy to keep the ball at the other end, and it worked until the 79th minute. Ashleigh Sheets had been trying to carry rhe ball through the middle all night, and she finally broke through, sending the ball ahead to Lexi Wilden who charged the keeper for the tie.
After OT, and a cold steele rain began to sprinkle, it was off to the PKs. The first round went 4-4. Then both sides made their 1st 4 and missed their 5th. Then we started all over again. This time, Lady Jacket keeper Alexis McLaine snared Clovers's third attempt. Then,FM's Lexi Wilden, who had missed her first time through, came up with the winner...just like she did April 1st.
Clover played very, very well and they deserve respect. They can really bring their "A" game. Oh, and Rachael Newminster is back. Fortunately for FM, Coach Finnerty was constantly adjusting as the match went on, and it paid off. Wow