Boyd-Buchanan bounced back from their shocking 3-2 upset in the district finals last week to beat visiting St. George’s on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers needed an extra-time winner to see their spot in this year’s Spring Fling reestablished.
Both teams were evenly matched through the first 80 minutes, with Boyd Buchanan gaining a slight edge on chances created.
The Bucs played in a 4-2-3-1 with a target forward in Mills Wood up top. Wood’s physical stature and aggressive play served as an effective backstop for all of Boyd’s clearances.
St. George’s played in a more expansive 4-3-3 with a single 6 in behind two 8s in the midfield. The Gryphon’s play had no focal point in attack. They moved the ball around with quick, simple passing and unselfish off-the-ball movement—trying to create space.
Neither team was able to find a breakthrough. Boyd seemed to consistently take one touch too many in the final third as the chance would fade away. St. George’s couldn’t compete physically with the Buccaneers’ backline—losing to their pace and strength when pushing forward.
Regular time came and went without anything to note. The fans of the packed Buccaneer Stadium grew restless—their cheers and jeers turned to the refs as the heat of the midday sun beat relentlessly off the turf.
As the match entered the first period of added play, one thing was certain—a moment of brilliance was needed if the deadlock was to be broken.
That moment came just two minutes into extra time.
Winger Drew Pollard took his marker on down the right wing—using a lovely piece of skill to get around him and turn the corner—before driving a low ball across the six-yard box to the foot of Edson Angel for a tap-in at the back post.
A single moment of reactionary inspiration and the Buccaneers had their lead.
St. George’s switch to a 3-4-3 with one midfielder dropping back in the 6 role, another pushing up in the 10 spot, and two staying wide on either side to create a diamond in midfield.
As expected, the Gryphons started playing more direct—sending men forward to try to find a late equalizer—but to no avail. Boyd dropped back and snuffed out any every attack the opposition would throw its way.
The game grew more intense as the second ticked away, leading to more involvement from the center judge.
Tempers boiled over with just two minutes left to play. Boyd—looking to waste time—played a short corner to Wood, who used his body to shield off the scrambling defenders. The corner quickly shifted to an octagon as hands began to fly and bodies drop.
The result—a straight red for Wood—jeopardizing his spot in the lineup come next round.
Despite the late drama, Boyd held on to win 1-0.
Boyd-Buchanan advances to the DII-A semifinals Wednesday in Murfreesboro where they will face Webb School for a spot in the state final.
Scoring Summary:
BOYD BUCHANAN 0 0 1 – 1
ST. GEORGE'S 0 0 0 – 0
Goal Scorer(s): Edson Angel