McPherson edges Andover Central in OT
Chaos broke out in the final minutes of McPherson's soccer match at Andover Central, and that suited coach Chris Adrian just fine.
McPherson scored two goals in about six minutes and won 2-1 in overtime Tuesday night.
With one minute remaining in regulation, McPherson found itself with an opportunity to score off a corner kick. Andover Central keeper Chris Watts made a save on the first kick, then ... chaos. Even Adrian didn't know who scored until about five minutes after it happened that Cory Horton had put the ball in. All that mattered to Adrian was his team tied the score.
"It was just a mad scramble in front of the net," Adrian said. "We wanted it and we just threw our body at it and got it in. We went into overtime and just carried that momentum with us."
After Horton game-tying goal forced overtime, it didn't take long for another shot off of a ricochet to put an end to the game. McPherson forward Parker Hambley created the play with a shot on goal that was blocked by Andover Central keeper Chris Watts. Devin Abernathy took another shot for McPherson, which as also deflected but it went straight to McPherson midfielder Nick Torres who sent a strike to the back of the net.
"I was just thinking I need to hit this as hard as I can, and I hope it goes in," Torres said. "It was pretty crazy. It's a good way to start the season. I'm ready for the next one. We play Hutch and I hope it's a little easier than that."
McPherson had to fight from behind the entire second half. Andover Central only had two more shots on goal, but it won the possession battle.
In a sea of red, Matt Hamm swiftly and strategically knifed his way through McPherson defenders. He'd done it three times prior in the first half, but this shot would find its mark. Hamm leaped over a sliding defender and in the process lost his balance. It seemed to be the only thing he hadn't counted on, but in an attempt to give his team a tangible edge in a game full of momentum swings Hamm kicked the ball just before tumbling to the ground. Goal.
The ball went past the outstretched arms of McPherson goalkeeper Brice Thrower to give the Jaguars 1-0 lead with 2:45 left in the first half.
"Matt was dangerous the entire game and Brice made about four incredible saves this game," Adrian said. "Just his presence. He was huge back there."
McPherson0 1 1 —2 Andover Central1 0 0 —1
First half—Central, Hamm (Whittcomb). Second half— McPherson, Horton. Overtime— McPherson, Torres. Shots— McPherson 2-5-2—9; Andover Central 5-5-0—10. Saves— McPherson, Thrower 8; Andover Central, Watts 5.