Rams win with walk-off penalty kick; GC moves to round three
In a nail-biting conclusion to a fiercely contested match, the #5 seed Greene Central Rams edged out #12 seed Research Triangle on the final penalty kick, sealing a dramatic victory in the second round of the NCHSAA soccer playoffs. The game, which was deadlocked at 1-1 through regulation and the entirety of overtime, showcased the kind of high-stakes drama that defines playoff soccer.
Dennis Contreras, with the weight of the game resting squarely on his shoulders, approached the spot with an unflappable demeanor. The score was knotted at 3-3; the previous kickers had faltered, but not Contreras. With a steely resolve, he delivered a thunderous strike, the ball finding the back of the net and ensuring Greene Central's advance to the next round.
Adrian Acevedo was the lone scorer for the Rams during regular play, his goal was just enough to keep the Rams within victory.
Coach Baird, in reflecting on the match, lauded the efforts of both sides. "It was a heck of a game. Both teams fought hard, they are a great opponent. We fought to the very last minute of 110 minutes of play," he said, his pride in his team's perseverance evident.
Baird's confidence in his players, particularly in clutch moments, was mirrored by Contreras's own sentiments. "I'm just glad coach had confidence in me and I got to put it in for the team," said Contreras, whose decisive penalty kick has become the talk of the town.
As Greene Central prepares to journey to face #4 seed Manteo—a team they narrowly defeated 1-0 in their first game of the year—it's clear that the Rams carry with them not just the momentum of a hard-fought win, but the belief that they can overcome any obstacle. Manteo, fresh off a 3-1 victory over #14 Raleigh Charter, will no doubt be seeking to avenge their early-season loss, setting the stage for a rematch filled with anticipation and the promise of another thrilling encounter.
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