HS Boys Soccer Playoffs: College Park Loses Heartbreaker in Penalties to End a Memorable Season

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The College Park Cavaliers (19-2-4) end their season in a gut-wrenching defeat to the Cypress Woods Wildcats (16-4-4) in a penalty shootout for a spot in the Regional Semifinals.

College Park asserted itself early, with a quick tempo and persistent pressure harassing the Wildcats from the opening kick.

This early pressure led to a series of crosses and passes into the Cy Woods box that threatened to score a goal in the first several minutes. The Cavalier onslaught was turned away each time, but the flat-footed Wildcats were fortunate to escape unscathed from the attacks.

Sloppy passing and an overall lack of early momentum gave Cy Woods no significant response to the College Park attack. Stingy defense from the Cavs only compounded the lack of effective effort from the Wildcats, and their situation would become more desperate as the first half continued.

Some settling into the game for the Wildcats was a step in the right direction for their gameplan, but the Cavs pressed from set pieces to break the standstill.

A free kick in the 29th minute streaked toward the Wildcat goal before ricocheting off the crossbar into a mass of bodies gathered inside the penalty area. A fortunate bounce landed at Luis Garza Rios’ foot where he sent the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 College Park lead.

In an exclusive interview with The Woodlands Online Sports, College Park Head Coach Mike Jaskowiak spoke on the planning that contributed to the team’s early lead.

“We were ready to get on the front foot and attack from the get-go,” said Jaskowiak. “Those opportunities were quick and led to early shots and a great finishing rebound.”

The pressure was on the Wildcats to respond to prolong the game and extend their season.

A shift in control was visible as the first half nearly concluded, with most possessions shifting from the Cavs to Cy Woods. Smarter passes and reliable dribbling saw the Wildcats inch closer to goal, but they failed to draw even before the end of the first half.

Even after the halftime break, Cy Woods continued their aggressive push to tie the game or take a potential lead.

Their fight was highlighted by back-to-back shots on goal that trickled wide left each time. Consistent play from College Park’s defenders and a level-headed presence in goal by Miguel Bacerra kept the team from surrendering its lead under the withering fire from their opponents.

“Miguel steps up over and over again,” said Jaskowiak in praise of his keeper. “He is the backbone for us, and we know that he is going to be up there for every ball that comes his way.”

Despite the lights-out play from Bacerra, the cracks in the College Park defense were beginning to show around the 60th minute of regulation.

A through-ball and sprint down the right side of the field led to an attempted cross from Cy Woods, but a challenge from College Park managed to deflect the ball out. The official’s whistle sounded to call a handball against the Cavs, which gave the Wildcats a penalty kick to tie.

The attempt was buried, and a 1-1 tie sucked the collective air out of the College Park fans in attendance.

Not wanting to give up their momentum, Cy Woods continued to press while the Cavs hoped to regain their footing.

A series of corners, free kicks, and blazing quick attacks were attempted by both teams to break the tie, but neither could do so. A 1-1 tie sent both teams back to the sidelines in preparation for extra time.

An electrifying buzz filled the stands as extra time got underway, but neither team gained traction in the added period.

College Park revamped their attack and forced the Wildcats to play their first significant defense of the game since the first half, but no attacks penetrated the backline.

The Wildcats failed to generate any steam on their end, as a rapid attack was suddenly reeled in to deal with the pressure put on by the Cavs.

The closest either team came to breaking the tie was in the 98th minute when a freekick for Cy Woods nearly snuck through Bacerra’s gloves. The savvy keeper kept the ball from crossing the line, and the teams prepared for penalties after the unproductive extra period.

Tension hung in the air, as both teams readied themselves for what became a lengthy penalty shootout.

Three of the first five kicks were good for both teams, but the Wildcats squandered an early chance to seal the deal on their fifth attempt. A skillful dive from Bacerra saved the would-be game-winner and gave his team another chance at winning.

In the eighth round of kicks, College Park’s attempt soared over the crossbar for the team’s third miss of the shootout. A responding shot from the Wildcats found the back of the net, and Cy Woods continued their playoff journey with a victory in PK’s.

“We felt good when we got to PK’s,” said Jaskowiak postgame. “When you go eight rounds, anything can happen, and that’s just how it is.”

The disappointing result ends College Park’s season while providing a glimpse into the program’s future with new faces set to take the field.

“We have to keep building what we’re building,” said Jaskowiak. “I’m really proud of all of our guys, and what I see in the future are players that want to be a part of what we’re doing.”

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