Woodson Bows Out to Washington-Lee

The W.T. Woodson Cavaliers came into Friday night’s boys soccer matchup against the highly touted Washington-Lee Generals with a distinct game plan.  They looked to defend with discipline, putting numbers behind the ball in order to shut down one of the region’s most potent offenses. 

Although Washington-Lee dominated possession and created numerous shot opportunities, Woodson was able to maintain the stalemate for 70 minutes.  However, a late goal forced the Cavs to go for one of their own, and a counter goal from the Generals with four minutes remaining sealed the 2-0 victory.  

This came as no surprise for Woodson head coach John McAuley.

“We have improved a lot as the season has gone on,” he said.  “We are a young team, and we got a few players back from injury. I knew we would be able to give them a tough test.”

That it was in the first half, as the Woodson defense stood strong.  Play went back and forth, with Woodson looking to attack on the fly and Washington-Lee looking to possess on the ground.  The Generals got the better of the possession, but the back four of Woodson, led by seniors Jacob Luftglass and Reid Williamson, shut down their attacking play before it could produce a good chance on goal.  The teams went into the halftime break 0-0.

“We looked to take the air out of the ball,” McAuley said.  “They are a great team that looks to score a lot of goals, and we wanted to make sure we didn’t give up any early.”

In the second half, the Generals came back with increased intensity and hunger for a goal.  They had a terrific chance to score in the first minute of the half, but keeper Carlos Canas came out and made a sensational save to stop the one-on-one break.  The Generals kept the pressure on with a series of corner kicks, but again the Cavalier defense answered the call. 

Woodson had their best chance on a great cross from Matt Cumby.  When a Washington-Lee defender slipped, it gave Woodson a clear shot on goal, but the Generals keeper made a great save to preserve the shutout. 

The Generals would finally break the deadlock with 10 minutes remaining on a head goal.  Woodson looked to respond in the closing minutes, and got caught out of position, giving up a second in transition.  Still, coach McAuley was happy with his team’s ability to turn the season around and stick with it until the end. 

“My players did everything a coach could ever ask of them,” he said.  “We start a lot of younger guys, and the seniors really helped develop our younger talent.  We are excited for next year, and we will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.”