When the senior soccer team fell behind 2-0 to Mulgrave this afternoon things looked bleak. However, Coach Yeates was cool and calm in his halftime talk. He made some technical adjustments and the Cavs roared back to tie the game 2-2 before winning it in penalties.
Collingwood had far more possession in the first half but it was the Titans that took advantage of their opportunities. Their first goal came on a speculative cross from the left-wing that somehow curved into the far right-hand corner. Their second goal came off a corner-kick. When the ball landed, it seemed six Collingwood defenders looked at each other but no one moved. The Mulgrave striker didn't need a second invitation and it was smashed into the back of the net for the 2-0 lead.
The Cavs came out of halftime with renewed vigour. Archie Robertshaw had been brought on at halftime by Coach Yeates. When he was put through with a nice pass, he took his chance perfectly and stroked the ball into the lower left-hand corner and it was 2-1.
Collingwood continued to put on pressure and it was not long before DJ Moretto hammered the ball past the Titans' goalie to make it 2-2. The Cavs continued to press and they were very unlucky when an absolute cannonball off the foot of Tucker Lake smashed off the crossbar and straight down into the hands of the very fortunate keeper.
Regulation time came to an end with a brave diving save by Ryan Yacoub. An obvious trip was somehow missed by the referee and it looked like Mulgrave might win it in the waning seconds, but Ryan was quick off his line and courageously smothered the ball.
Collingwood only needed four shooters in the shootout as all four were perfect and the Titans missed their first penalty and Ryan dove to save their third attempt. Tucker Lake, Blaise Benoit, Arthur Na and Sam Howard all gave the Mulgrave keeper no chance with well-placed powerful shots.
Arthur Na scored Collingwood's third penalty today and was solid throughout the game on the left flank.
David Howard was a ball of energy all game long and created a number of good opportunities for his teammates.