Cardinal Boys’ edged in battle for soccer’s number 2 seed

In a WCAC soccer season that has proven to be laden with parity more then ever, the Paul VI Panthers from Fairfax entered the beltway for a pivotal conference tilt with Cardinals.  PVI came out strong and Ireton answered their characteristically strong start, but both teams soon would face mother nature’swelcome  to the match with a torrential downpour that changed conditions for both squads on Witter Drive’s artificial turf.

PVI sent a early corner kick in that was bobbled by Matt Poling in goal and allowed just enough space for PVI to get on the score sheet early.  Ireton then went on the offensive, creating chances in their offensive third to finally see pay dirt when a PVI defender took down Preston Haugh in the box after some impressive ball control in a tight space. JoeyFaddoul stepped up to the penalty spot and converted to level the score at 1-1.

Just before the halftime whistle, Matthew Breiner played Henson Webre a clever ball that the senior converted to give the Cardinals the lead and momentum going into the second 40 minutes.

This momentum did not last into the second half as PVI came out looking to level the score and after 20 minutes of the second half, the scoreboard showed PVI up 4-2.  Preston Haugh received a ball from Breiner and Haugh did the rest in pulling the Cardinals within one to make the score 4-3.

Ireton would see a couple more quality chances, including a possible foul when Faddoul was taken down in the box.  The whistle sounded and Ireton saw a very competitive match end 4-3 in favor of the visitors.

In a moment of sportsmanship and showing it truly is just a game, both teams met at the center circle to keep a PVI student recently injured and in a coma in their thoughts and prayers and concluded leaving the pitch with the Lord’s prayer.

This game concluded the regular season WCAC schedule for Ireton who fell into 4th place with the setback. Cardinals host #5 Good Counsel on Tuesday at 3:30pm on Witter Drive Field #2 in the quarterfinals of the WCAC championship tournament.