Boys’ Varsity Soccer
Mustangs Rally from Behind,
Defeat Clarke 2-1
Mason Earns Top Seed in the State

By Gregg Curtin (April 27, 2006)

For the first time ever, the Mustangs came back from behind to win a game 2-1 against their legendary district rival Clarke County Eagles Tuesday night at Clarke. After a tough loss to Clarke in the State Championship final last season, this game was monumental for the Mustangs who hope to compete for another state title this year.

After a scoreless first half, the Mustangs found themselves in a difficult position, what with the Eagles having scored an early goal in the second half and stormy conditions threatening to call the game early.

Both teams had played with force as they tried to provide opportunities to score, but neither the Eagles nor the Mustangs could find the back of the net in the first half as the defenses denied many chances in the attacking thirds of the field. Numerous fouls and free kicks were awarded to both teams, but neither one could take advantage. Junior goalkeeper Eric Casteuble gave constructive directions from the box to his defenders, and senior Sean Nannery played in one of his best performances as he helped confine Clarke’s star forward, senior Bobby Hobbes, to only one shot in the first half.

The second half began in Clarke’s favor as heavy winds picked up towards the Mustangs’goal, and within the first five minutes the Eagles rebounded a shot off the crossbar into the net to make the score 1-0. The Mustangs rapidly recovered, as quick passing and defensive pressure speeded up the pace of the game to provide more opportunities for the Mustangs to score, which they did minutes later.

Junior forward Daniel Engberg-Pederson (E-P) received a pass at the top of Clarke’s 18-yard box and blasted a shot into the top of the net past senior All-State goalkeeper Peter Smetanick to tie the game 1-1.

Clarke’s direct play and long balls over top of the midfield were of no success, as senior defender Mike Chaves helped head the ball right back into midfield to keep the ball out of pressure and away from goalkeeper Casteuble. Mason stayed composed, and put the game out of reach towards the middle of the second half as senior midfielder Gregg Curtin collected a ball in front of the Eagles’ goal and placed it in the net to finish the scoring at 2-1. The Mustangs stayed conservative and on the defensive side of the ball to keep the Eagles from threatening, and were able to shut them out until the final whistle.

After winning possibly the most difficult match in their regular district season, the Mustangs have a better chance of clinching the district title if they remain unbeaten against their remaining district opponents. Mason takes the Eagles on again later in the season, for the last match of the regular season at home on senior night. The Mustangs play the Manassas Park Cougars for their first district home match of the season tomorrow night at 7 p.m.