The Freedom Patriots hosted the Harrells Crusaders in the Patriots 2nd ever state playoff bid, and the first in 7 years.
Harrells came out swinging managing to score in the first minute of the game and putting the #5 seeded Patriots in an early hole.
Rey Molina seemed to will himself through the Crusaders defense 7 minutes later, scoring the equalizer on an assist from Joao Pedro Santos.
The tie would not last long. The Crusaders went up 2-1 off a rebounded corner kick. But Santos and Molina would once again tie the game with the roles reversed as Molina assisted Santos’ first goal of the afternoon.
Santos and Molina each found pay dirt once again; each assisting the other to
put Freedom ahead 4-2 at halftime.
The Freedom Defense was the story of the second half. Playing with a 2 goal lead the D held strong. Midfield player Jayce Smith played outstanding and grew up during the match. While his efforts don’t show on the stat line, his presence could not be missed, consistently stopping Harrells forward attacks and feeding the ball back into Freedom’s attack. Jayce was named player of the game for his consistent play and effort in the midfield.
Harrells was determined not to go away quietly, drawing a PK. Initially stoned by Keeper Bennett Cannady, the hard rebound was put past him and the Crusaders pulled with 1 score with 12 minutes left to play.
It was Gabe Kelly who found himself free on the right side of Harrells net, fed by Connor Jacobs that gave Freedom a much needed 2 goal cushion with just 2+ minutes left to play. Kelly’s goal loomed large when the Crusaders drew a second PK, which they converted to set the score at 5-4.
The final minute of play was a furious and desperate attack by Harrells which saw Cannady swat away a point blank equalizer attempt, one of his 8 saves to preserve the game and the Patriots first state playoff win in school history.
The 5th seeded Patriots travel to face the #4 seed Thales Academy of Rolesville on Thursday at 4:30 pm.
IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING Thursday's match at you are REQUIRED by NCISAA regulation to register with Ken Hughes by Thursday morning at 11 AM. Send an EMAIL letting him know. Once at Thales, you MUST check in with the Freedom administrator at the game PRIOR to finding your seats. No siblings are allowed. 21 and over only. If you have any questions, please let me know.
khughes@fcapatriots.org
Harrells came out swinging managing to score in the first minute of the game and putting the #5 seeded Patriots in an early hole.
Rey Molina seemed to will himself through the Crusaders defense 7 minutes later, scoring the equalizer on an assist from Joao Pedro Santos.
The tie would not last long. The Crusaders went up 2-1 off a rebounded corner kick. But Santos and Molina would once again tie the game with the roles reversed as Molina assisted Santos’ first goal of the afternoon.
Santos and Molina each found pay dirt once again; each assisting the other to
put Freedom ahead 4-2 at halftime.
The Freedom Defense was the story of the second half. Playing with a 2 goal lead the D held strong. Midfield player Jayce Smith played outstanding and grew up during the match. While his efforts don’t show on the stat line, his presence could not be missed, consistently stopping Harrells forward attacks and feeding the ball back into Freedom’s attack. Jayce was named player of the game for his consistent play and effort in the midfield.
Harrells was determined not to go away quietly, drawing a PK. Initially stoned by Keeper Bennett Cannady, the hard rebound was put past him and the Crusaders pulled with 1 score with 12 minutes left to play.
It was Gabe Kelly who found himself free on the right side of Harrells net, fed by Connor Jacobs that gave Freedom a much needed 2 goal cushion with just 2+ minutes left to play. Kelly’s goal loomed large when the Crusaders drew a second PK, which they converted to set the score at 5-4.
The final minute of play was a furious and desperate attack by Harrells which saw Cannady swat away a point blank equalizer attempt, one of his 8 saves to preserve the game and the Patriots first state playoff win in school history.
The 5th seeded Patriots travel to face the #4 seed Thales Academy of Rolesville on Thursday at 4:30 pm.
IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING Thursday's match at you are REQUIRED by NCISAA regulation to register with Ken Hughes by Thursday morning at 11 AM. Send an EMAIL letting him know. Once at Thales, you MUST check in with the Freedom administrator at the game PRIOR to finding your seats. No siblings are allowed. 21 and over only. If you have any questions, please let me know.
khughes@fcapatriots.org
