University Heights Academy‘s bid for their first trip to the All-A Classic State Soccer Tournament in five years came to a heart-breaking end Saturday as Murray knocked off the Blazers 2-1 in a contest decided by penalty kicks.
The Blazers had rolled through All-A region play, outscoring their opponents 15-2 in claiming the title. And they got off to a fast start Saturday when Ian Calvert scored on a penalty kick four minutes into the contest. Calvert was awarded the PK after he was dragged down in the box while advancing toward the goal.
It looked like that goal would stand up for the rest of the first half until Murray’s Zak Mathis took a pass from Nick Bokeno and found the back of the net with six minutes left to tie the game at 1-1.
While Murray played most of the second-half in the Blazer end of the field, University Heights’ defense was up to the task and did not allow a goal. For the game, Murray outshot UHA 22 to 13. Blazer goalie Dan Johnson had 12 saves in goal for UHA.
With just a couple of minutes left of the game, it looked like the Blazers were going to pull the game out when Calvert positioned a corner kick in front of the net that Will Bryan went low to head in. However, the Murray goalie made a nice save on the play to preserve the tie.
With the game tied at the end of regulation, the game moved immediately into the penalty kick round per All-A Classic rules. Murray kicked first and scored on each of their first four shots while the Blazers missed or two of their first three.
University Heights falls to 5-1 on the season. The Blazers have the next 12 days off as the school participates in their annual outdoor school. Their next game will be September 6 against Webster County.
