There are days when a team does everything except win. On a hot, humid Saturday Bishop Ireton played aggressively, controlled the pace, seemingly dominating play for much of the 80 minutes of action. But a first half header turned out to the only goal of the contest in Episcopal’s 1-0 win over the Cardinals in the championship of Episcopal’s four-team tourney. Friday the Cambridge crew walloped Blue Ridge 5-1 while the Maroon cruised by the Potomac School.
Coach Jon Norem’s squad didn’t seem to be slowed by the heat and humidity as they attacked the offensive zone repeatedly in the second half desperate for the equalizer. They buzzed the net, putting quality shots on goal, Patrick Reilly just missed seven minutes into the final half and Jeremy Guillaud broke free but couldn’t beat the Maroon keeper from 15 yards out. As the game wore on, Episcopal found some scoring opportunities, but sophomore goalkeeper Matt Poling turned away a number of chances to keep Ireton within one.
It was a physical contest on both sides, so injury time played a factor as the hydration stoppages also gave coaches time to scheme during the game’s final, frantic 20 minutes. And, though the Cardinals got their chances, they couldn’t get the equalizer.
“We really played well today, but just couldn’t get the results.” said Norem after the game. “We needed a couple players to step in and play well and I was pleased with their efforts.”
Ireton advanced with a convincing 5-1 win the first round over Blue Ridge, giving them 13 goals in the season’s first two matches. The Cardinals held a 2-1 advantage at the intermission before reeling 3 unanswered goals in the final half. “I thought Blue Ridge played much better in the second half, but that is how this game goes sometimes.”
Joey Faddoul led the Cardinals with a pair of goals, Henson Webre, Paul Poling, and Gabby Sampaio all added a one for the cardinal and gold Friday evening.
Next up for Bishop Ireton is a Tuesday night trip to The Bullis School. JV opens at 4:30, varsity game is slated for a 6pm start. Admission to the game in Potomac, Maryland is free.