Late Goals lift Eagles in Alexandria, 3-1

Gonzaga rallied with3 goals in the final 13 minutes to defeat the Cardinals 3-1 in a penalty-filled contest marred by 3 red cards.

With 9:21 remaining in the first half, Ireton senior Drew Bedford was carded for a “studs up” dangerous tackle and the Cardinals were faced with 60 minutes of shorthanded soccer. The home team kept working and with 5:32 left in the period, Miles Campbell used a strong tail wind, and a blinding sun in goalie Chris Rubel’s face to launch a 60-yard direct kick over the outstretched keeper and into the net.

The Ireton lads would continue to play an inspired second half as Gonzaga, the defending WCAC champions, pressed the man advantage. When Campbell, Peter Giambone, and their mates didn’t turn the Eagles back, Frankie Massa made one strong save after another to preserve the 1-0 lead.

With 25:16 left, the physical game turned ****. Ireton’s CJ Hancock and Gonzaga’s Joey Wilkins collided and ended entanged along the sideline. In an instant both squads gathered and a minor melee broke out. When order was restored, both players were ejected, both goalies received yellow cards for leaving the net, and tensions were even higher. It also left the field considerably more wide open as the Eagles now worked 10 players on 9. About 12 minutes later, Gonzaga junior Jacques Casagnol pushed a short rebound past the sprawling Massa and the Eagles had tied the game at 1. The momentum began to swing and Gonzaga continued the attack, culminating on one of 8 corner kicks the visitors earned on the day. With 6:58 to play, senior Earl Hamilton headed an Eagle corner into the net and a 2-1 advantage. With :48 seconds to play the Cardinals misplayed a pass into their own net to push the score to 3-1 but the damage had already been done.

The Eagles used a big second half to beat the Cardinals in the JV tilt, 6-0.

Ireton returns to action on Friday when the Cardinals host Good Counsel in a 4pm start on Fannon Field.