East Jefferson faced off against Port Angeles late last week in a nailbiter at Peninsula College.
After drawing even 1-1 in regulation, EJ pulled out a gutty 5-4 victory after …
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East Jefferson faced off against Port Angeles late last week in a nailbiter at Peninsula College.
After drawing even 1-1 in regulation, EJ pulled out a gutty 5-4 victory after penalties.
Following their disappointment from Tuesday’s loss, EJ sought to make things right by turning in a spirited display against a strong Port Angeles team who had previously blanked EJ 2-0.
Coming into the game with two injuries from the previous game, EJ was short-staffed and so a formation change to accommodate the circumstances paid off handsomely.
Playing in a 3-5-2 formation brought a greater balance to the midfield and afforded more opportunities up front.
The game was played at a fast pace, with both teams creating multiple opportunities. If not for wayward shooting or spirited goalkeeping, either team could have been ahead by halftime but it remained scoreless at the break.
The second half was much the same, neither team backing down or gaining a distinct edge.
Port Angeles continued to find the breakthrough pass to their quick forward line, with EJ seeking to maintain possession and patiently build into the attack.
Twelve minutes from the end Port Angeles finally found the killer pass to set their striker away to score emphatically in the bottom corner.
With enough time to find a way back into the game EJ continued to press and probe the Port Angeles defense, eventually winning a series of corner kicks from which Mark Anderson found the foot of Taj Watson to steer home a first-time shot into the goal with 2 minutes left in regulation.
From there the game headed into sudden death overtime.
The Roughriders coming closest in the second OT period as they saw a shot deflect off an EJ defender and onto the post.
As no game-winning goal was found, the match went to penalty kicks to decide the winner.
Both teams dispatched their first four shots excellently.
Port Angeles’ fifth kicker hit the crossbar, however, leaving Connor Scanlon to step up and score to ensure the victory for EJ.
Aidan Halpin, Elias Herman, Yarrow Dean, and Mark Anderson were the other successful scorers for East Jefferson.
