Ashburn — It looked like the Western Albemarle boys soccer team was once again headed to a shootout; this time to decide the semifinal Region II match with a talented squad from Broad Run.
But Broad Run’s Kevin Reitzel scored in the first minute of overtime and ended the Warriors’ post season run. The Spartans will host Potomac Falls — 2-1 winners over Kettle Run–tomorrow for the Region II title.
Its not as if Western didn’t have its chances to settle the matter before overtime. Several shots sailed wide or settled safely into the arms of Broad Run keeper Paul Hegedus during regulation. Both Hegedus and Western’s Kai Shin tallied three saves on the night. Although Broad Run dominated the first half of play, Western controlled the tempo in the second stanza. However, the Warriors just couldn’t convert the opportunities.
“[Broad Run] took it to us in the first half and we really took it to them in the second half,” said Warrior coach Paul Rittenhouse. The Spartans fired 15 shots in the contest, while Western launched 12.
Rittenhouse had high praise for the effort and the season. “Tonight we showed that we earned our way up here,” he said. This is a great group of guys who played great defense that kept us in games all year long.” The Warriors registered the 200th shutout in school history and finish the season with a record of 14-3-4.
