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.
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 looking headed for double OT after nine minutes and thirty-three seconds, Noah Simmons sent a cross to Manherz, who dribbled nearly fifteen yards before firing straight down the middle.
“Liam Hamilton of the Sentinels (4-5-1, 1-2 City League) set 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.
Soccer match was incredible
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.”
After less than two minutes, Simmons prepared to throw in. Allegany took the lead 2-1 thanks to a header from Cole Ricker, who seized the opportunity. 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. On Monday at 5 p.m., Allegany takes on No. 1 Mountain Ridge (8-0, 5-0 WestMAC). “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.” No. 2 Southern (7-1, 4-1 WestMAC) will host Fort Hill on Wednesday 5 pm.