By: Kyle Keck | Sports Writer
The Taylor men's soccer team survived an overtime thriller in its final game of the season by upsetting Grace 3-2 on Saturday night.
Since Taylor would not make the conference tournament regardless of the outcome of the match, head coach Gary Ross made sure his team understood what this game was truly about.
"Our main emphasis was for our players to continue to improve and play well," Ross said. "We felt as though we were good enough to win any game we were in this year, and that we just needed to play a good game and we could win."
Grace came out strong by scoring a goal three minutes into the match. The early 1-0 deficit looked to be the start of another tough game for Taylor (4-11-2, 2-6-1 CL). Contrary to games prior, the deficit was equalized 24 minutes later due to junior Griffin Gardner's first career goal as a Trojan.With halftime approaching, Grace garnered the lead at the 37-minute mark. The one-goal lead would only last two minutes, as sophomore Sam Hardy booted a shot to the back of the net to knot the score at 2-2 before the half.
Although both teams combined for four goals in the first half, the second half displayed a much different outcome. While Grace accounted for 10 second-half shots, sophomore goalie Nate Henderson pocketed four saves, contributing to his single-frame shutout, to force overtime.
The Trojans did exactly that during extra time as they held Grace to zero shots. Taylor managed to put two shots on goal, with the second one finding the net and handing Grace a loss on their home field. Sophomore Gabe Saliba recorded his third goal of the season in the 94th minute assisted by freshman Jeremiah Rader.The men's soccer team features six graduating seniors: in Rocky Byrd, Josh Beachler, Josh Urban, Jesse Carmody, Giovanny Guthro and Caleb Bouchier. Going out on a quality win is something the seniors were able to appreciate because of their team.
"I truly appreciate the approach that all the guys took to the game and level of effort they gave," Byrd said. "I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to be a part of this team and I think that a win like that gives evidence for the type of team they can constantly be moving forward."
Byrd and Bleacher were named members of the Capitol One Academic All-District Team. The men's soccer team ends the 2015 season with an overall record of 4-11-2 and 2-6-1 in the Crossroads League.
Photograph provided by TU Sports Information Department
