Groat Propels ICC to State Championship Game
It was probably the best soccer game I have ever watched in my life. That game was worth every penny of the $10 it was to get into. The #2 State ranked Ichabod Crane Riders took on the #3 State ranked Lackawanna Steelers in the NYSPHSAA Class B State Semifinals on Saturday morning at Middletown Middle School. Both sides had very good offenses, Lackawanna a very fast paced team with a lot of speed. ICC likes to keep the ball on the ground and play at their tempo. In the first half ICC did just that, controlling the ball for most of the half. The Riders had many opportunities, but just couldn’t capitalize, until Logan Groat got the ball on a breakaway, made a move and buried it to put the Riders up 1-0 early. After that goal, both sides had many opportunities, but couldn’t put the ball in the net. The Riders came out slow in the second half, they looked a bit tired. With about 16:33 left, the Steelers Ali Alomari tied it at 1 on a beautiful shot from behind the 18. Although the Riders were slow the whole second half, they prevented Lackawanna from scoring. The Riders defense really stepped up and played a key role in the second half. After regulation, the score was still tied at 1. This one would have to be decided in overtime. You could just see it in their eyes, the Riders were not giving in. They weren’t coming all this way to end the season here. They had so many opportunities on goal, but again could not finish. Until with 5 seconds left in the first overtime period Groat got the ball again, let it rip, and buried it right in the back of the net to send Ichabod Crane to the State Championship! The Riders will face #1 Center Moriches tomorrow morning at 10 AM at Middletown High School!
