Even with parades rolling, all of the excitement seemed to be at Pan American Stadium during the 2-1 Crusader victory over the Lafayette Lions in the Regional round of the LHSAA soccer playoffs.
Brother Martin (13-2-4) struck first scoring in the 9th minute as Miles Francis found William Thiele on a cross for a 1-0 lead. Miles Francis tracked down a ball on the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to William Thiele as he ran into the box. Thiele gathered the ball and slotted it in the far right post.
Lafayette had plenty chances to score with their best coming in the 19th minute. A Lion striker fired a shot, but keeper Thomas Peters tipped the ball over the crossbar with a leaping save.
Both teams would play the remainder of the match in the midfield creating scoring chances that were unable to be converted into goals. Lafayette picked up the pace and applied more pressure late in regulation that paid off. In the closing minutes of the match, a Lion forward made a run through the middle of the Crusader defense and tapped a shot past the outstretched arms of Peters. The goal tied the match 1-1 to extend the game and the Lions’ season.
In the first period of extra time, however, the Crusaders found a way to rebound. Junior forward Bailey Nuss slipped through the middle of the Lion defense for an extra time goal and a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute. The Lions would counter with plenty scoring chances, but good defense and saves from Peters helped secure the win. Peters corralled 12 saves in the victory.
No. 6 Brother Martin advances to face the winner of No. 14 Grace King and No. 3 Jesuit in the quarterfinals. Quarterfinal game information is still TBD.