It was in a tied game with less than seven minutes remaining that Western Albemarle put together a memorable series of attacks. Efficient ball movement on the right side allowed Connor Spano to take an open shot and score into the back of the net.
“That was the best high school goal I've ever seen,” Warriors head coach Michael Nafziger said. “I think it started with our centre-backs, playing to our target players, it came back, found our midfielders, found our outside-backs, found our targets again and then It was a back heel.” [pass] Conor Spano found him wide open at the top of the box and coolly finished. ”
West Albemarle held on until 6:39 left to win 3-2.
The Warriors entered Thursday's contest with a 7-0 record, while Charlottesville was 4-1-2. When WAHS encountered the Black Knights, they expected a fierce battle.
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“Every time we play, we know it's going to be a really tough match. It's really physically demanding,” Spano said. “So we go into it knowing that we have to win that physical battle first. We have to work to beat them, and the results will follow.”
Charlottesville took the lead less than five minutes into the game. Gilbert Cassindi attempted a free kick from about the 25-yard line on the right side of the field. He took a shot with his left foot and the ball flew into the top right corner of the goal, his first goal of the match.
The Black Knights held a 1-0 lead throughout the remainder of the first half, but Western Albemarle effectively came out of halftime.
Charlottesville's Cooper Moreland kicks the ball past Western Albemarle's Connor Spano during Thursday's game in Crozet.
Cal Carey, Daily Progress
With 37:43 remaining, Spano started the play with a corner kick for the offense. Cashel Yates scored a header on the right wing to tie the game.
“We had the same setup before Conor hit the back post,” Yates said. “So, I was just making sure I was there. And he took a perfect shot into the right corner, so I was able to slide it in.”
Less than three minutes later, the Warriors had another chance to score. Ronan Macdonald was awarded a penalty and took the lead, taking the leaping goalkeeper's kick and sending it into the net.
“We executed our game plan perfectly in the second half,” Nafziger said.
However, Charlottesville created a corner kick opportunity with 26 minutes, 33 seconds left, and it was successful. Timson Duolo headed his shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, making it 2-2.
Spano scored the winning goal after the Warriors and Black Knights battled for the ball for 20 minutes.
This semi-annual match is by no means easy for either team, but each is looking to use this match to continue their growth.
“Not only is the night game itself fun, but it also helps us grow as a team, so it really helps us on the trajectory of our season,” Nafziger said.
Chris Gionta
cgionta@dailyprogress.com
@Chris_Gionta of X
