High School Soccer:
Triton Rallies in Second Half for Win Against Overbrook
Friday, October 20, 2000
By Bob Wankel
SJSports Student Correspondent
Soccer took center stage under the Friday night lights this week as Triton squared off with Overbrook in the most critical game of the year. A playoff birth for was at stake for both teams. It would all come down to who wanted it more. Let me tell you, I'm not much of a soccer fan, but this was a great game.
Both teams came onto the field very intense and maintained the intensity throughout. Minutes went by with each team getting some good scoring chances, but neither converted. Early and often players were hitting the ground hard as some cheap shots were thrown. After a solid defensive start for Triton, a shot was deflected out of the reach of Triton goalie Wes Holmgen as Overbrook jumped ahead midway in the first half.
This is where things got interesting. A hustling Brad Wallace hit the ground hard from an Overbrook push. As the ball went the other way a fight broke out on the field between the two teams. After all was said and done a total of at least 5 players were ejected. The fight brought the end of the first half with the Mustangs trailing the Overbrook Rams 1-0.
In the second half, Triton simply outplayed the front running Rams. Wes Holmgren shutout the Rams in the second half, keeping this one close. Once again both teams traded scoring chances and this time it was Triton who lit up the scoreboard. However, the goal was disallowed and Triton still trailed. Then later, Brad Wallace got Triton on the board to knot it up at 1-1. Later, after another disallowed goal, Triton took the lead for good. The crowd erupted in unison with cheers as Triton went ahead. The Mustangs were able to hold on to the lead. With the win the Mustangs reached the .500 mark and have clinched a playoff birth. A gutsy effort made all the difference in this one for the Mustangs as they are now headed to the playoffs.
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