A new twist in the annual Class A boys soccer quarterfinal game between Mohonasen and Scotia-Glenville propelled the Mighty Warriors into the semifinals.
A Scotia own goal early in the second overtime period gave visiting Mohonasen (6-11-1) a 1-0 victory in last Saturday’s game.
Nick McBride sailed a long free kick into Scotia’s penalty box where three Mohonasen players were waiting for it. However, the ball glanced off a Scotia defender and went into the net.
“I saw a white jersey. That’s about it,” said Mo-honasen’s jake Schmidt, one of the Mighty Warriors closest to the ball when it went in.
“McBride served a nice ball in, and we had three or four players go to it,” said Mohonasen coach Corey Gregg.
Up to that point, both teams did a good job limiting each other’s scoring chances. It was rare when either goaltender had to work for a save thanks to solid defensive efforts.
“It was a fun game to watch because both teams worked hard,” said Scotia coach Chris Bailey.
It’s the fourth time in the last five years that Mohonasen has eliminated Scotia (14-2-1) in the Class A quarterfinals. Three of those four wins came on Scotia’s home field.
“It could have just as easily been five (in a row) for them,” said Gregg. “These games have been that close.”
Mohonasen — the No. 10 seed — advances to Thursday’s Class A semifinals against Big 10 champion Troy in Johnstown. Meanwhile, Scotia will go into another offseason two steps shy of a Sectional title.
“I feel bad for the seniors,” said Bailey. “They played a tremendous game, and they did everything I asked them to.”