Joey Payeur
A total of 100 minutes could not differentiate which was the better squad.
So it came down to the showdown that tests the composure of the players while making short work of the spectators’ fingernails.
Centra Pipelines turned out to have the nerves of steel on this night–claiming a 4-1 victory in the penalty-kick shootout against CJ Contracting in the final of the Borderland Soccer League’s men’s division Thursday evening.
The top two teams in the regular season went tooth-and-nail through regulation and overtime, but were mired in a 1-1 draw when it came time for the one-on-one showdown that ultimately went the way of Centra.
“The last few minutes, everyone was giving their all,” noted Centra striker Jeff Hyatt, who had three goals in two games in his team’s semi-final win over Pharmasave, then scored in the first round of the shootout.
“We tried to put pressure on [CJ] but they responded well,” he added.
“It’s not like either team deserved to lose.”
Jesse Fuhrer broke a scoreless tie in the 62nd minute after an ill-advised pass across his own crease by Chase McGuire was mishandled by fellow defender Derek Kaemingh, with Fuhrer charging in to blast the loose ball past diving CJ keeper Cole Kowalski.
But CJ kept coming and got a golden opportunity for the equalizer seven minutes later when Ian Jodoin was hauled down in the 18-yard box by Jamie Veldhuisen.
Connor Bujold was on target with the subsequent penalty kick–hammering a shot to the bottom right corner as Centra goalie Tyler Hamm dove the wrong way to even the affair.
With both teams being denied on good chances in the 10-minute “golden goal” overtime, Hyatt opened the shootout successfully for Centra.
Kevin Metke then put his team behind the eight-ball when his shot sailed wide of the right post on CJ’s first chance.
Fuhrer and Jodoin traded goals in the second round before Max Williams went top shelf to give Centra a 3-1 lead.
McGuire stepped up and rocketed the ball high over a leaping Hamm, but squarely off the crossbar, where it shot skyward and landed harmlessly at Hamm’s feet.
Garnet Cornell then put the icing on the cake, firing one into the right side of the net to sink CJ for good.
“We’ve got 18-year-olds and we’ve got guys in their 30s,” noted Hyatt.
“When we had to, we walked the walk and kept a calm stomach, and put it in the net instead of off the crossbar or wide.”
Hyatt said it was a very competitive season–even among Centra’s own players.
“There was two of us battling back and forth for the scoring lead,” he said, referring to himself and Williams.
“I think the key for us was our composure and our consistency,” Hyatt added.
“When we had a letdown, we bounced right back.”
The best players in the men’s league were announced after the final.
Centra’s Lucas Koomans and Jodoin split the MVP award while Williams’ 15 goals earned him the Golden Boot Award as the top scorer.
Hamm and Jacob Albright of Manitou Forest Products shared the best goalie award, with Hamm also the winner of the dedication award.
Manitou’s Nick Hahkala was recognized as the top rookie and Centra’s Cam Gobeil for best defence.
Mark Faragher of Manitou took home the Heart and Soul Award.
