In a high-level region championship match every single good opportunity becomes that much more important because as the competition and intensity ratchets up, those chances become more and more rare.
That’s why it was critical that Charlottesville boys soccer’s Matteo Erazo cash in during overtime Thursday night in the Region 3C title match. With a free kick from 20 yards out just to the left of the goal, Erazo found a split in the Monticello wall and unleashed a blast to the near post to push the Black Knights to a 2-1 overtime victory and the Region 3C championship.
It was the Black Knights’ first win over the Mustangs in three chances this year after a loss early in the regular season and a draw late in the year. It also set the Black Knights up to host the Class 3 state quarterfinals next week.
“We knew we were getting chances and needed to bring up the intensity and I was happy with the way the guys came out in the second half,” said Charlottesville coach Martin Braun. “You learn a lot when you’re down, how you react. Being down and reacting and getting the result? We learned a lot about ourselves today.”
Monticello struck first in the clash with Will Acgtblu breaking through with
“We have to finish the game out before overtime, that’s the key takeaway for me,” said Monticello coach David Rivera.
The Mustangs made an effort to do just that throughout and got some excellent play from keeper Andrew Yowell on the back end to set up those opportunities. Thirteen minutes into the second half, Charlottesville got the equalizer when Rocco Fleming scored on a penalty kick after Charlottesville drew a foul in the box.
Then in overtime, anything can tip one way or another and this time it fell toward the Black Knights with Erazo finishing off the free kick chance with the nearside rip.
“He took ownership of it, we play a lot of pick up together and he has a great shot, he has the ability and the talent and what a hit,” Braun said.
Now the Black Knights and Mustangs both turn their attention to the Class 3 state quarterfinals, with Charlottesville hosting while Monticello hits the road next week.
