Gilman boys soccer, McDonogh girls bring something new
The Gilman boys soccer team is Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference champions for the first time since 1995, thanks to a thrilling 1-0 win over McDonogh with gutsy performances all over the field in Sunday's title game.
For the McDonogh girls, who had never won an Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference crown despite being constantly close, the irony in Saturday's 2-1 overtime win over two-time defending league champ Spalding came on the game's last play when Casey Martinez had a wide open net to score in.
Both winning teams had uphill climbs going into their respective championship games and each found a way to persevere.
The Greyhounds were up against a poised McDonogh boys team that had been there plenty — making their 12th MIAA title game in the past 13 years. For the McDonogh girls, the challenge was getting past a Spalding team that had a knack for winning when it counted the most — league champs three of the last four years.
In Gilman's victory, it took midfielder Cotter Brown getting a little higher than everyone else to head home a goal; a brilliant 10-save performance from goalie Andrew Harris; and a heads-up defensive play in the second half from Joey Cahalan, who cleared a McDonogh shot off the goal line to protect the lead.
For the McDonogh girls, it could have been easy to think 'Here we go again' after surrendering a tying goal by the Cavaliers All-Metro forward Maggie Morrison in the closing minutes of the second half. It was vintage Spalding, which has proven to be resilient time and again in its recent run.
Instead the Eagles dug in deeper in overtime. All-Metro midfielder Ashley Spivey, who was spent after dominating the middle for good chunks of the game, fended off a number of defenders down the right side before sending an ideal cross to the middle.
Taylor Cummings charged hard, getting to the ball just as Spalding All-Metro goalie Jocelyn McCoy did, forcing the ball to roll free to the far post. With Martinez exactly where she was supposed to be, the hard part was over with an easy chance from 8yards all that was left as the Eagles won their first championship since 1998 when they played in the old Catholic League.
Today, the Gilman boys and McDonogh girls are deservedly ranked No. 1 in this week's area polls.
