The soccer boys came out firing on all cylinders but still fell behind in the 12th minute. A great early chance with a driven ball across the box by Kevin Carroll found Mark White attacking and getting the ball at the back stick. His one touch was somehow saved by the diving Hermitage goalie and he kept it out of the net.
A misplayed header and a missed offside call after allowed the opponents to chip a goal over the DR goalie Joseph Gates and the team found themselves behind early in the first half.
A quick response earned a corner and Alex Lowman's service found an attacking Zach Washburn in the box where he headed it home into the back of the net. This was Washburn's second goal on the season and both came in the Hermitage contests.
With just a few minutes left in first half the Wildcat's earned another corner and the service was to a backstick runner and Ben Chisom finished it off with another brilliant header. This took the boys into the half with a 2-1 lead.
The second half started off with possession from the home team with the away team playing the long ball and creating problems off the counter. The counter attacking play and quick transitioning play created chances for the Panthers and a back pass and a miscue mistake from goalie Gates knotted the game 2-2. In spite of the miscue Gates kept the ball out the rest of the way with solid play and confidence. Tyler Shupack, Jack Bobitz and Sean Gibbons dominated midfield play on both sides of the ball, however the final ball was closed off due to an organized athletic back line from the other team. After the game was tied , Carroll and White up top seemed to step up and get more touches and we were able to attack and cause all kinds of trouble, but could not find a way through.
Finally, Mark White collected the ball, split 2 defenders and they swiped him from behind and a free kick was given just outside the box.
John Levin stepped up and bent a ball around the wall and into the top corner for an unbelievable goal to give us the lead and secure the victory.