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St. Mary’s falls 2-0 to Kennedy
The St. Mary’s soccer team went into Friday’s match against Kennedy undefeated in league play and looking for a first-place finish. They headed home with their first BSAL loss and hoping to salvage a first-round playoff bye.
Missing one of their best offensive weapons for disciplinary reasons, the Panthers fell 2-0 to the EBAL leaders, falling to 5-1-1 in league play. Only the two top finishers get a bye in the first round, and St. Mary’s now has to win their final match on Friday to assure themselves a second-place finish.
Midfielder Bryan Warren has been suspended for the remainder of the season for earning his second red card of the year. But he may be able to return, according to St. Mary’s coach Teale Matteson, because the second ejection came as a result of foul language, not violent play.
Without Warren, the Panthers were forced into a defensive posture against Kennedy. They managed some moves forward, mostly through striker Patrick Barry, but were unable to finish any chances.
“Bryan would have made a big difference in the match,” Matteson said. “He can convert chances into goals, make things happen.”
Thirty minutes into the first half, Kennedy forward Roberto Murilio slipped past St. Mary’s sweeper Nolan Hornuchi for a breakaway, and goalkeeper Mick Osborne could only deflect the ball on its way into the net, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
The Panthers were unable to answer the goal with their defensive tactics, and were forced to push more and more players forward as the second half wore on. Barry came close in the 70th minute, making a 20-yard run, beating two defenders and putting a shot just over the bar from 25 yards out.
Murilio made the Panthers pay for their offensive push with just five minutes remaining, standing alone at midfield to run onto a long clearance by one of his defenders. Osborne, who made several spectacular saves in the game, was helpless, and Murilio put the game away cleanly.
“We got caught pushing up on the second goal,” Matteson said. “We got caught off guard on the through balls.”
