Phoenix soccer team claims sectional title

Under clearing skies on a brisk and breezy October afternoon, the shorthanded Oberlin Phoenix outlasted a tough and determined Lutheran West Longhorn team in the sectional soccer finals, winning in a penalty kick shootout, 2-1.

Coach Matt Fox's team entered the game with a higher seed and the comfort of knowing Oberlin had beaten the Longhorns in a regular season matchup. However, he was also keenly aware that his Phoenix team would be without junior starters Zach Walsh and Daniel Bulhosa who were not available at game time due to prior commitments. The Longhorns on the other hand were welcoming back two of their seniors who'd been out with injuries.

On this Saturday, with the line-up changes, the play would be quite even, with both teams having an occasional chance to score. Junior Nii Armah Hammond and first year, Sam Annable, pressed the attack early for the Phoenix. After a couple near misses, Hammond converted a long through-ball into Oberlin's first goal at the 25 minute mark. The half ended, 1-0.

With the narrow lead, the Phoenix tended to fall into a defensive posture, which served them well for much of the half. Sophomore goalie Josh Kocsis was equal to task on the few opportunities that eluded the Oberlin defense. The Longhorns continued to apply pressure up the wings, and put several dangerous crosses into the middle of the field. Eventually, one of them paid dividends for the visitors as they capitalized on a corner kick to create a scramble in front of the Oberlin net, evening the contest at 1-1 with only 1:40 left on the clock.

During the regular season a tie score would remain unbroken, however in the playoffs, a winner must be determined. The two scoreless 15 minute overtime sessions were dominated by conservative play and defensive-minded formations. After 110 minutes of play, the score remained tied at 1-1.

At this point, a penalty kick shootout ensued. For the Phoenix, Cyrus Newlin, Sam Weiss, Hammond, and Kocsis all converted their penalty kick opportunities into goals. Likewise, so did four of the first five Longhorn players. On the sixth Phoenix PK, Daniel Bulhosa drilled it to the corner while Phoenix keeper Kocsis successfully blocked the Longhorn shot, setting off a big celebration on the Oberlin side of the field.

Coach Fox was ecstatic with the win, "The team really had to work for this win today. My hat is off to them - the team played within themselves; they didn't try to do too much to make up for our missing starters. The offense really relied on Hammond and as he as done all year, he delivered a huge goal for us in the first half."

Assistant Coach Erik Halm continued to be impressed by the play of the defense and in particular keeper Kocsis. "Those stops on two of the last three Lutheran West penalty kicks in the shootout - that was some major league stuff out there. The pressure is squarely on the back of the goalie during these tense shootout situations, and he sure handled it maturely - both converting his attempt into a goal and then making those final two saves."

The Phoenix now move on to the district tournament where they open play at home today against the Lake Ridge Academy Lions at 5 p.m. Should Oberlin emerge the victor, they will play again on Saturday against the winner of the Wellington-Columbia contest.