Congleton scores game-winning goal in OT

SWOOPE — The last thing Wilson Memorial head coach Kyle Congleton told his team before the start of extra minutes was to play hard and to give it their all and that they would not be satisfied with a tie.

With the match scoreless and regulation in the book, Buffalo Gap and Wilson were headed to overtime. Both teams broke the huddle and burst on to the field with emotion and passion, knowing the next goal would most likely be the game-winner.

The Hornets’ Philip Congleton took his father’s advice, and a few minutes into the first extra session, the younger Congleton found himself alone with the ball with only the keeper in his way.

Philip Congleton rifled the shot into the net, breaking the tie, giving the Green Hornets the all important Shenandoah District win over the rival Bison 1-0.

“Going into extra minutes you have to search inside yourselves and find a way to come through,” said Wilson coach Kyle Congleton. “I felt we deserved to win tonight. The guys played so hard and gave it all they had.”

Goal scorer Philip Congleton was just focused on putting the ball in the net.

“I knew the team wanted the goal. I was just focused on making a good shot,” he said. “We really turned it on when overtime started. I think we could have played a little bit better, but it feels good to win.”

Wilson (6-0-2, 2-0-1 Shenandoah) had controlled the match all night, keeping the Bison defenders awake. The only problem for the Hornets was breaking the code that was keeper Logan Lovelace.

Lovelace made stop after stop for the Bison frustrating the Green Hornets. Wilson could not find a way to get the ball into the net even with all the pressure they were forcing.

Gap (2-4, 2-1 Shenandoah) struggled all night to get the ball into the Wilson zone, as the Hornets controlled all 80 minutes of regulation. The Hornets missed numerous opportunities, sailing shots over the crossbar and around the outside of the posts.

“We couldn’t buy a goal tonight. We play a possession game and I think they tried, but we definitely had some tired legs tonight after playing last night,” said Wilson coach Congleton.

Buffalo Gap head coach Jeff May thought the game was well played by both teams.

“For a game to finish 1-0 in double overtime was amazing. I wish it would have ended with a win for us, but it was a hard played game by both teams,” said May.