More News

For the second time in two weeks, boys soccer rivals Gov. Thomas Johnson and Urbana met each other for huge stakes.

Last week, it was for the Monocacy Valley Athletic League's Piedmont Conference title. This time out, it was for a chance to advance in the Class 4A North Region playoffs.

After two halves, and two overtimes, TJ saw its dreams of further playoff glory dashed by the Hawks, who prevailed over the Patriots for a second time this season, 2-1, 7-6 in a marathon penalty kick shootout.

"Me and the TJ coach met at midfield just before the beginning of the shootout, and we both had the same expressions on our faces," said Urbana head coach Scott Schartner. "We thought the same thing, that we were glad that we didn't have any heart conditions, because if we did, we'd both be in trouble. It was such a great game."

TJ took a 1-0 lead in the opening minutes of the second half on a goal from senior midfielder Enrique Sanchez, who headed in a pass from senior striker Anthony Stafford. Urbana tied the game with eight minutes left to go in regulation on a goal by junior striker Wally Maier.

In the penalty shootout, junior goalie Alex Vert made the crucial save, and junior striker Will Duddleston booted in the winning kick to enable the Hawks to advance to today's 3 p.m. semifinal contest against Patterson of Baltimore.

"[Vert's] save was huge," Schartner said. "TJ had a couple of shots [during the shootout] that hit the post or just totally missed the goal. But when he had to, he came up with the big save."