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Nick Van Hollen's header brushed the outstretched arms of Gaithersburg's Billy Ani, screaming into the net for the Barons' second goal. Later, his foot barely reached Marlon Sarravia's one-time volley in time to keep it out of the net and preserve what was then a two-goal lead.
And despite a game of bad luck, bad misses and bad injury news for the No. 3 Barons, Van Hollen's two fortuitous bounces saved B-CC's season in a 2-1, 4A West quarterfinal victory over the visiting Trojans.
"Yeah, we hit the crossbar twice," said B-CC coach Sean Karns, "and I would say we were probably the better team tonight. But that's not soccer. It could've been 2-2; it could have gone to overtime. I'm just glad it's over."
The Barons advance to the regional semifinals and a Friday match with No. 2 Northwest.
Midfielder Collin Martin scored the other goal for the Barons (11-2-0), who were forced to move Van Hollen to center back after Stephen Sawicki left the game midway through the second half with a leg injury.
Andres Garcia scored in the 72nd minute for the Trojans (5-7-2), reaching Sarravia's dump-off pass and finally breathing some life into a previously lackluster offense.
"The first half, it seemed like we passed the ball to them more than our own team," said Gaithersburg coach Nick Matesa. "The kids, they played unbelievably well in that second half. But you've got to play a complete game."