The senior soccer team went into today's game against the Bodwell Bruins knowing they needed an outright win and a little help from Seycove if they wanted to secure the final position for the North Shore playoffs. The Cavs did their part with a terrific 1-0 win over Bodwell. And Seycove did their part with a 4-2 upset victory over Rockridge. As a result, the Cavs' season is still alive and they will play on Tuesday.
Collingwood got off to a perfect start when Harry Philpotts placed a free kick from 20 metres out perfectly in the left-hand corner of the net. The Bruins' keeper had no chance and barely moved as the ball went by him.
The Cavs' confidence soared with this early goal and the team played an outstanding first half. All the Grade 12's knew it could be their last game and they were men-possessed as they fought to be first to every ball. Collingwood controlled most of the play in the first half but could not get that much needed second goal.
In the second half, the Bruins began to press and their were some tense moments as they fought their way back into the game. With less than ten minutes to go, a defensive breakdown left a Bodwell striker all alone in front of the net. He hammered the ball but DJ Moretto made a brilliant reflex save and the ball was scrambled away by Collingwood defenders. It was an incredible stop and it saved the Cavs' season.
After that, Collingwood settled back down and carried the play for the final five minutes. It was an outstanding display by the entire team but particularly the Grade 12's. DJ, Harry, Sam Howard, Casra Mohammedrezai, Tucker Lake, Blaise Benoit, Massimo Beltramo, Jackson Jessel, Owen Huston, Joey Ficocelli and Archie Robertshaw all played a huge part in the win. And Coach Yeates made sure he got Kourosh Shahbazi and Jasiu Karcz into the game in the final minutes.
The Cavs now await to see if they will play Windsor or Bodwell on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 at Fen Burdett.
Harry Philpotts' goal at the 4:30 mark stood up as the game winner.
DJ Moretto made a stunning stop to keep the Cavs' playoff hopes alive this afternoon.