Marist Soccer Squads Sweeps Lakeside

unbeaten record remains intact, but the No. 2-ranked (AAAA) War Eagles (13-0) had to rely on the lottery of a penalty shootout to eventually knock off No. 6-ranked (AAAA) and previously undefeated Lakeside (12-1-1) after a 3-3 tie.

The War Eagles converted three spot kicks, with goalkeeper Vaughn Moore making two stops to edge Lakeside 3-2 in the shootout.

Ageyman Botchway scored two goals for Marist, including one deep in overtime that looked to secure the win until the Vikings snatched a dramatic equalizer from Eval Schecter's free kick.

Botchway's score handed the hosts a brief 1-0 lead, but goals from Matthew Peng and Nick Harris moved the visitors ahead 2-1 before Thomas Withhorn's penalty tied it up 2-2 to force overtime.

In the shootout, Lakeside only converted two spot kicks, with one attempt soaring over the crossbar.

Despite the game being too close for comfort, Marist coach Brendan Murphy was pleased to take another step to securing the Region 6-AAAA title.

"It's always a close game with Lakeside, I was expecting a physical battle," he said. "Any time you beat a team like that you have to be happy."

Marist went in the 7th-minute when Botchway powered a close-range header from a throw in. However, the Vikings recovered and were back on level terms minutes later as Peng beat the keeper to force the ball across the line.

From there, both teams had a host of chances as the game opened up, and it was the visitors who first seized the initiative. Harris struck in the 46th minute for a 2-1 lead, which Lakeside held until Marist were awarded a penalty 20 minutes later, converted by Thomas Withorn.

The War Eagles' momentum carried into the second period of overtime, when Botchway latched on to a through ball, raced into the penalty and buried a low shot into the bottom corner.

"I chested it, turned and shot it," said Botchway, who missed a penalty in the shootout. "But my teammates did all the work." 

The frenzied celebrations were cut short, however, as Schecter squeezed home a free kick that, like the preceding goal, caused fans to run on to the field.

Yet the home support soon returned to the playing surface, and in greater numbers, when Moore saved Lakeside's final kick.

Lady War Eagles 2, Lady Vikings 1

Mary Beth Bleekrode was on target twice as a patient No. 4-ranked (AAAA) Marist eventually overcame stubborn Lakeside.

The win keeps the Lady War Eagles in pole position for the region title, while the visitors were content to have scored a first goal against Marist in six years.  

Bleekrode's first strike cancelled out Lakeside's early opener, scored by Rebecca Chambers. Her second, a long-range shot, capped a dominant offensive display by Marist, which controlled possession and camped in Lakeside territory throughout the game.

"Lakeside is a very physical team and they put a lot of pressure on us," said Marist girls' coach Sergio Stadler. "That forced us to play a little bit faster and smarter. We outshot them but at the end of the day, it's about how many go in."

In total, Marist outshot Lakeside 20-8. Lady Viking goalkeeper Raleigh Knight was a major factor in the close score line with quick saves coming throughout the second half.

However, Knight was powerless to prevent Marist's goals. Bleekrode was in the right place to bury a loose ball in the first half, and after the break struck a shot into the top corner for the winner.

Both teams are off for the rest of the week for spring break before returning to conclude the region schedule. Lakeside (9-4-1, 7-2 region) will be looking to improve its playoff prospects while Marist (10-1, 8-0) can wrap up the region title.

"I think we have enough depth," said Stadler. "It was a good win."