DUBLIN – Junior Pierce Melvin scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime to give East Bladen a 4-3 Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer victory Monday night over West Bladen.
Melvin took a pass from junior B. J. Monroe and tucked it into the low corner for the deciding goal.
The Eagles scored twice in the first half to take a 2-0 lead. Senior Caleb Hatchell turned a feed from junior Greyson Heustess into the first East Bladen goal. Heustess smacked a left-footed shot into the net from 19 yards out for the second goal.
The Knights scored on a free kick in the 51st minute then tied the game 7 minutes later on a 30-yard shot.
Pierce Melvin sent a pass to junior Irvin Hernandez who drilled in a 14-yard shot to edge the Eagles ahead 3-2 in the first overtime. The Knights tied the game with 2:15 left in the first overtime.
“Tonight was about heart and guts,” said East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor. “West had the heart and gave it everything they had. We had the guts to keep playing and get the result. We shot ourselves in the foot numerous times, but I give West credit. They really wanted it.”
“Tonight was not a good night for us but it was a heck of a game,” continued Raynor. “The fans got their money’s worth tonight. It was what a rivalry should be. Both sides put all they had into the game.”
“The backline and Spencer (Scott) did well tonight,” added Coach Raynor. “Jake (Evans) did a great job defending and helping us in transition. Gabe (Barber) did well and played a lot of minutes despite a hip injury.”
“Greyson had a solid game and helped us in numerous positions,” concluded Raynor. “Caleb played some great minutes but we had a hard time getting him the ball. Pierce was a huge factor as the game went on stopping several attacks in the midfield and playing some decent balls into the attacking third.”
Scott had 5 saves for the Eagles, and Evans led the team with 20 steals. Pierce Melvin and junior Ezequiel Arteaga racked up 17 steals each. Junior Keshaun Davis finished with 15 steals, and Heustess collected 14 steals.
The Eagles remain unbeaten in league play at 7-0 and are 12-1 overall. East Bladen travels to St. Pauls Wednesday night. West Bladen, now 4-3 in league play and 4-5-1 overall, will travel to South Columbus Wednesday night.
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