The Pioneers came out and seemed to have extra jets in their boots. Both teams had chances early. SK actually tagged the cross bar on one shot but failed to score. With 15 minutes in the first half, Dixie took a direct free kick just outside the box. SK cleared the ball but it was sent back across the field by a Dixie player. Another shot later in Dixe had the first score of the game. The score would hold up that way until half-time.
The Pioneers came out in the second half and WHAM. Tanner O’Hara took a cross (not sure who from), brought it down with a half volley and drilled a shot in the first minute of the half. They team erupted with excitement and emotion. O’Hara went nuts as he was a blue blur as he ran around looking for someone to tackle. Sam Benner ended up taking on the leaping O’Hara. The Pioneers would take the lead when Tyler Ellison took a ball that Eric Schadler took deep into the corner with a Dixie defender. Ellison came out with the ball, broke free from the right side of the box. Ellison had a collision with the keeper and the ball bounced out of the 6 yard box. The ball was then sent back into the box and Ellison knocked the ball across the goal line for the score. SK takes a 2-1 lead but there was still a lot of time left in the match. The Pioneers started losing some composure that got them the lead and they started ringing up fouls. It suddenly felt like things were starting to slip away as Dixie scored on a PK to even the match at 2-2. There were several anxious moments during the last several moments for the Pioneers as senior keeper Sam Benner had a couple of key saves. The Pioneers were kind of on their heels and kind of looked out of gas. Bring on more match time.
District overtime is two 10 minute periods. If there is still a tie, then the teams go to sudden death. SK must have hit the energy drinks before they took to the overtime period because they didn't look like the same team that ended the second half. They instantly got pressure going on the Dixie defense. Cody Hutchins sent the ball in the box and Cody Herald shot and scored. SK got an insurance goal when T. O’Hara carried the ball down the left side, got off a beautiful cross that Ellison knocked in past the sliding Dixie keeper for his second goal. SK hangs on to win, 4-2.
The boys will play again on Wednesday at Dixie versus Scott at 6:00. The girls also play tomorrow night at Dixie versus Villa Madonna at 6:00. Good Luck to both teams!
Tyler Ellison gets up-ended in the first half.
Hutchins with a ball off the knoggin in the first half.
Kentrup takes a high kick that was called by pops but not the stripes.
Ellison reacts while mom cheers in the background.
O'Hara with a couple of goal celebrations...
Kentrup takes a shot on the knee. He was fine.
The rookie tries getting a shot in over the defender.
Hutchins in a tussle with the Dixie Keeper.
Pretty cool; Benner and the Dixie keeper congratulate each other. The thrill of victory and agony of defeat.
TK reclined on the track after the game. His dripping wet jersey left an impression on the surface.
The boys run across the field following the Win.
