Tuesday’s boys soccer showdown between the top two teams in Class 3A featured great defense for 79 minutes, followed by a wild one minute of offense.
No. 2 Hamilton Southeastern hosted No. 1 Zionsville in a big Hoosier Crossroads Conference game that was also HSE’s Senior Night game. The contest ended in a 1-1 tie, making the Royals 4-0-1 in conference play. However, the result gave HSE a share of the conference title.
The game was marked with solid play all the way. Both teams had their scoring opportunities, and there were several close calls. Southeastern goalkeeper Michael Flores-Rodriguez was solid in the box, making critical saves and a key deflection in the game’s 16th minute.
The Royals broke through with 44.5 seconds left, when senior Darian Ghaffari made a laser kick into the net. Southeastern held a 1-0 lead. But the Eagles got a free kick opportunity just a few seconds later, and the ball was deflected into the net with 26.6 seconds left.
“I’m awfully proud,” said HSE coach Chris White. “We’re without three starters tonight, and I thought our guys really played well. Thought they deserved a win, just came up a little short. It was a great game between two top teams.”
The Royals have two more games remaining in the regular season, both on the road. Southeastern plays at Lawrence North on Thursday, then travels to Noblesville next Tuesday.
After a scoreless match, Sheridan finally got past Carroll in penalty kicks Tuesday in a Hoosier Heartland Conference game.
Neither team scored during regulation or overtime. The first set of PKs ended in a 3-3 tie. The Blackhawks broke through in the second set, with junior Walker Casler making the winning shot. The final penalty kick score was 6-5.
The ‘Hawks will play at home today against Taylor in a continuation of an HHC game that was halted due to lightning on Monday with 20 minutes to go. The game is currently tied 3-3. Will Zachery scored two goals and Will Black scored one.
Hamilton Heights came from behind to beat Eastern 4-3 on Tuesday.
The Class 2A No. 20 Huskies found themselves down 2-0 after the first 10 minutes, but quickly got back on track, as Heights coach Derrick Dean said his team “started pressuring the ball very well and controlling the game.”
Josh Thorpe got the Huskies’ first goal, scoring on a free kick. Thorpe then scored again to tie the game at 2-2, which would be the halftime score.
In the second half, Heights took the lead when Donovan Trew found Drew Tomaszewski for the Huskies’ third goal. Heights’ fourth goal came when Jacob Luckey found Thorpe, who put the ball in for his third goal of the game.
“Co-players of the game go to Josh Thorpe for his hat trick and Drew Tomaszewski for his versatility on the field as he was moved around into several positions to help control the game,” said Dean.
Carmel, ranked No. 16 in 3A, played Metropolitan Conference rival Pike to a 3-3 tie on Tuesday.
Riley Shives scored two of the Greyhounds’ goals, with Jack Muller also scoring one. Oliver Shebek and Alex Cline both made an assist.
“Tonight was a very typical game versus Pike that ended in tie,” said Carmel coach Shane Schmidt. “There were some really nice portions of the game where we were getting in behind their defense and were dangerous. We have two more games this week that we will prepare for and get back at it.”
The ‘Hounds are now 6-4-2 and host Cathedral on Thursday for their Senior Night game.
University, the No. 2 ranked team in 1A, beat Greenwood Christian Academy 2-1 on Tuesday.
Agastya Das and Sam Gailey both scored goals for the Trailblazers, who are now 9-3 for the season.
Sheridan freshman Axel Aleman (right) goes for the ball during the Blackhawks’ game with Taylor Monday. The game was halted due to lightning and will resume today with the score tied at 3-3. (Kirk Green)