CUMBERLAND — An instant classic was presented at Greenway Avenue Stadium on Thursday. The first half was a goal-for-goal exchange between No. 3 Allegany and No. 5 Fort Hill that lasted more than 89 minutes. Chris Manherz won it for the Campers (5-4-1, 3-0 City League) with 27 seconds remaining in overtime, helping Allegany win 4-3 and advance to the city final.
“A wild game, winning Homecoming is always fun,” stated Blake Geatz, head coach of Allegany. “I applaud them for their tenacity. I told them that Fort Hill should be proud of them for going out and getting hit in the face, but we came back with a vengeance.
Keeping composure
Throughout overtime, the Campers maintained possession and made multiple shots that were only two or three feet away from being in the picture. With the game presumably going into double OT after nine minutes and thirty-three seconds, Manherz received a cross from Noah Simmons, dribbled for approximately fifteen yards, and then fired right down the middle to win it.
Geatz remarked, “He’s calm, kept his composure.” “Achieved everything I had asked. He possesses the killer instinct; he is a killer. It’s amazing to get the ball in that circumstance, from the 25-yard line, and dribble it for 15 yards before shooting.”
Liam Hamilton of the Sentinels (4-5-1, 1-2 City League) lined himself up for a throw-in on the far right sideline five minutes into the contest. Allegany tripped over the ball, causing it to enter the net and result in an own goal. We started the scoring exchange about eight minutes later. Sam Panetta sent the ball to Manherz, who tied the score with a shot into the bottom left corner from far right on the field.
“It’s so massive, it swings the momentum completely, it gets you back on your toes,” Geatz stated. “Muchkus to Fort Hill; they consistently delivered impressive performances. Time and again, we came out swinging. This high school soccer match was incredible.”
Zach Steckman, the head coach of Fort Hill, stated, “Just another tough break.” “We chatted before the game, we can’t seem to get a break this year. We lose in OT, end regulation with the ball inside the box, Liam wins a tremendous free kick, and the goalie saves a wonderful shot. Our season has been one of just never being able to catch a break.”
Unable to identify a goal
Within four minutes, Fort Hill had an answer. After being stopped, Hamilton’s shot was deflected back to him. After one half, he provided a cross to Sam Spencer, who scored a tap-in goal to tie the score at two. Spencer set up Hamilton with a shot from the left side of the goal into the bottom right corner about eight minutes into the second half.
Both teams played a fantastic game, according to Steckman. “Work was being done diligently by both crews. Both sides had chances in front of goal and were successful. Chris Manherz is a formidable attacker. Lots tremendous speed, good ball finishing.” Fort Hill’s lead lasted only 10 minutes as Simmons struck a shot that hit the crossbar.
With 28 minutes left in the half, Michael Cannon scored in the top left corner from a second opportunity. Both teams had multiple opportunities to score throughout the last 25 minutes, but neither team was able to do so, forcing overtime. “That’s how things go sometimes in sports,” Steckman remarked. “The goaltender had a few good saves, and we had opportunities. We were unable to identify a goal.”
Allegany had a 22–19 advantage in shots and a 4–3 advantage in corner kicks at the end.Leland Garcia made five saves for the Sentinels, while Eoin Mowbray recorded seven for the Campers. “It’s huge for confidence, because I know that they know they can go out there and give Ridge a run for their money,” Geatz stated. “When we play to the best of our ability, I know we can give Ridge a run for their money.”