The varsity boys’ soccer team fell to North Oldham 2-1 tonight during their semi-state game after an intense sudden death shootout, ending Manual’s season. 

Another save by Dodwani. North Oldham beats Manual 2-1 after a 6-5 shootout.

— Jason Frakes (@kyhighs) October 20, 2021

North Oldham scored the first goal halfway through the first half after a corner kick, ending the first half with a score of 1-0. To begin a physical second half, Manual scored, tying the score 1-1.

Neither team was able to force another goal after many corners and attempted shots on goal, leading the teams into their first five-minute overtime.

After a fast-paced first overtime, the score remained 1-1, taking the teams into their second overtime. After both teams’ inability to score in the second overtime, they had to move on to a penalty kickoff.

Manual forced an edge on North Oldham in the penalty kickoff, successfully blocking North Oldham’s second penalty. Both teams successfully scored their third and fourth penalty kicks, but Manual fell short on their fifth while North Oldham was successful, tying the penalties 5-5. 

The game proceeded into sudden death penalties, where both teams successfully scored their first attempts. North Oldham scored their second sudden death penalty while Manual’s was blocked by North Oldham’s keeper, ending the game and their season with a score of 2-1.

A great @ManualSoccer season comes to an end. We are proud of our team’s fantastic postseason run, including district and regional titles. #GoCrimsons https://t.co/T3G2uxq83M

— Manual Athletics (@ManualAthletics) October 20, 2021

“We’ve accomplished some things that haven’t been accomplished at Manual for a while,” head coach Taylor Wood said. “I’m honored to have been able to work with such quality young men.”

Many seniors on the team reflected on their season as well.

“Kind of a disappointment at the end, but overall we had a great team,” Cole Wilson (12, HSU) said. “[The boys on the team] all have potential and promise, and I am so excited to see what they do in the future both on and off the field.”

“We’ve come a long way,” Shoma Lowber (12, HSU) said. “The team has put in tremendous effort, everybody’s just giving it their all.”