War Eagles drop postseason opener in OT

SHENANDOAH, Texas - The Oak Ridge War Eagles varsity soccer team lost in the bi-distict round of postseason to the Westfield Mustangs 0-1, despite proving substantial skill and worthiness of post-district play. The War Eagles finished up district season in third place with an impressive record of 8-1-3. The Mustangs finished second place in their district, however proved an even match against Oak Ridge.

The goal of the match came in the 10th-minute of overtime as a result of an Oak Ridge foul. Westfield took advantage of a free kick at the far edge of the Oak Ridge defensive 18-yard box, and carefully positioned their players for success. A Mustang attacker was sitting at the front post, where he took control of the ball and curved it into the back of the net as the buzzer was sounding to end the first half of overtime play.

Despite the War Eagles’ loss, there was much to be proud of. Coach Gareth Glick of Oak Ridge was still proud of his boys, despite the outcome.

“We covered every blade of the turf, I don’t think there was a square inch that did not get touched at some point in the night, and they worked every second,” Glick said. “We talked before about having no regrets when you walk off the field, about leaving everything out here. No one from out group can walk off the field and feel like they didn’t leave everything out here. They fully invested themselves in tonight’s match. They’re a good team, so there is no shame in losing to a good group like that.

The War Eagles and Mustangs ended the usual time of play of 80 minutes 0-0, resulting in an addition of 20 minutes of extra time. Because this game marked the beginning of playoffs, ties are no longer allowed.

The War Eagles had many chances throughout the game alongside the Mustangs. The teams proved an even match against each other, as one did not greatly outshine the other. As coach Glick said in reference to Westfield’s goal, “Sometimes the ball bounces the right way for certain people, and they took their chances… they are a good group.”

Emotions began to run high at the end of the game, as both teams were in a fight for the finish. There were three yellow cards handed out in the last 9 minutes of the match, two of which were given to Oak Ridge and one to Westfield. However, the War Eagles continued their attack with tenacious efforts, and were put in the face of goal multiple times. However, due to Westfield’s defensive tactics and flustered emotions, a goal unfortunately did not come out of it.

There are currently 10 seniors on the Oak Ridge roster, leaving the War Eagles with nine juniors and one sophomore returning for the 2016 season. The War Eagles hope to continue where they left off next year, and carry on the legacy of this year’s stellar team.