Matt Breiner (14) has been one of a group of young players that have flourished in WCAC play this season.
In the start of the “second season” for the Cardinal, the Bishop Ireton soccer team were matched up against the Falcons of Good Counsel in a 4 vs 5 WCAC Quarterfinal match-up.
During the regular season in Olney the teams ended 2-2 and shared the points. Â The regular season match-up reminded the Redbirds of a game they should have finished off and now had their second chance in the playoffs.
With a change in lineup due to a few injuries, the white clad Ireton came out working the ball around the field and switching fields keeping the Falcons chasing the ball early.
Good Counsel would get into the Ireton box and, instead of the goalkeeper Matt Poling, it was the center back and elder Paul Poling that came storming out of his own 18 yard box with the ball. Â Poling played a clever ball to Joey Faddoul who was occupying the middle of the space and Faddoul did the rest, driving straight down the park to finish and put Ireton up a goal.
The second half would see Good Counsel make some tactical changes and begin to work on getting a goal back as their mentality was also in the “win or go home” mindset. Â Faddoul received ball on the outside of the box and cut into what seemed like a ball to be crossed on the ground, but as any good striker will say he “meant” to shoot and found the back of the net on a very acute angle to increase the lead 2-0.
However, the win was not in hand and history began to repeat itself. Â Good Counsel found some success on their left side of the field, opening up for a Good Counsel player to finish their chance when presented and drew one goal back to make it 2-1. Â As the clock struck the 70 minute mark and the final ten minutes came, history seemed to be repeating itself as the Good Counsel striker and center back Poling became tangled in the box. Â The assistant referee deemed Poling to be the aggressor and the head referee pointed to the spot awarding Good Counsel a penalty kick. Â Good Counsel calmly finished their PK and a carbon copy of two weeks earlier in Olney was developing.
Good Counsel’s only error in scoring with 5 minutes from regulation meant that Coach Norem’s side had a chance to show they did not want extra time or penalty kicks. Â Matthew Breiner was played in to the GC defensive third causing the GC defenders to take him down a little over 20 yards outside the 18 yard box.
As the wall began to set itself Faddoul made sure he was free to take the direct free kick when he was ready to pull the trigger. Â Faddoul looked up and picked his spot bending over the wall and finished with a beautiful bending free kick that would harp the phrase “Bend it like Faddoul.” Â In what wa a full team effort, Ireton seniors came off the bench and provided a strong finish to closing out the game and when the final whistle sounded the mission was achieved, survive and advance.
The Cardinals now take flight to Hyattsville for a match up with regulars season champions DeMatha for a spot in Saturday nights WCAC Championship match. Â Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30. Â Win or lose, the Cardinals must face an opening round opponent for the VISAA tourney, as #12 seeded St Annes, Belfield calls on 5th-seeded Bishop Ireton at 3:45 Friday on Fannon Field. Â Admission to this VISAA playoff game is $5 for ALL fans.
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