Lightning Strikes Twice

-By Jeffrey Kruczynski, 11/15/2003

On a chilly and blustery November afternoon with the sun shining brightly and the wind howling like a wolf, the Tigers of Holy Family University battled the Lightning of Goldey-Beacom College in a nail-biter of a contest. The Tigers were looking to advance in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II Men's Soccer Tournament and to get revenge on the Lightning. In the second round of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Men's Soccer Tournament, Goldey-Beacom defeated Holy Family 6-2 and went on to win the championship.

It was a defensive showdown between the Tigers and the Lightning as zeroes remained on the board following regulation. For the majority of the game Holy Family dominated, as the ball remained in Goldey-Beacom's zone. Whatever chances either team had, they could not penetrate the force fields put up by their respective goaltenders. In addition, the players had a difficult time running and kicking the ball through the hurricane winds. Sometimes the ball seemed to float in the air like a plastic bag and gently fall to the ground. It was so cold players from both teams were drinking hot chocolate instead of Gatorade on the sidelines.

As the clock wound down in the second period, Holy Family and Goldey-Beacom played a conservative style, attempting to avoid making any mistakes that could affect the outcome. In the overtime session, the Lightning wasted little time breaking the hearts of the Tigers. Goldey-Beacom scored the lone goal of the contest in the 94th minute and left Holy Family with a sense of déjà vu. Evan Nash, the goaltender for Holy Family finished the game with six saves.

Despite the outcome, the Tigers should keep their heads up because they played hard and refused to quit. Goldey-Beacom (14-7-1) will now go on to face the University of Bridgeport in the championship game. For Holy Family (9-10-1), their season has officially come to an end but next season, the Tigers will be on the prowl.