Riverheads falls one game short
ROSANNE WEBER/STAFF
Riverheads’ Kristin Shomo, left, and Jenna Arneson stand on the field after losing to Goochland on Wednesday in Greenville.
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By Corine Gatti
Published: May 28, 2008
GREENVILLE – One game was all the Riverheads needed to secure the Group A Tournament berth but the season suddenly came crashing down on Wednesday afternoon when Goochland beat the Gladiators 4-2 in the Region B semifinals.
Gladiator coach Homes Tehrani walked back from the midfield after comforting his team. He had to keep wiping the tears from his eyes.
“These girls have nothing to be ashamed about. But this is a heart breaker,” Tehrani said. “This is really hard for us. We wanted to win this for Mike [Dattilio].”
The Bulldogs entered the match with speed, solid communication and pristine passing in the first half the game. They scored in the first 10 minutes — bewildering the Pride defense.
“We wanted to win this,” Bulldog coach Tom Reid said. “We worked hard all season and the girls really came out fighting.”
His team put up more than just a fight, the Gladiators could not clear their zone to advance the ball and ran out of steam.
“We were not quick enough. Goochland was faster. After the first two goals, that really knocked us out,” Tehrani said.
It showed on the Gladiators’ Kristen Moody’s face after the third goal. Goochland led 3-0 headed into the second half.
“This was a great season for us, but there was a lot going on,” Tehrani said. “I think it has been hard for the girls and all of us lately.”
In the second half the Bulldogs netted their fourth goal.
Later that half, Moody made a command to her team after her throw in. Her voice was forceful.
“I don’t want to go home. Pick it up guys,” she said.
In the final 10 minutes of the contest when the Pride arose to fight back. Courtney Shifflett ended the shutout smashing the ball under the legs of Bulldog keeper Cassandra Jackson. Riverheads struggled to pass the ball, but lucked out on penalty kick from senior Olivia Damico who answered with the second goal. Damico is one of the six seniors this season that will be departing.
The defeat left an aftermath of tears for the Gladiators. After some left the pitch they were welcomed with a standing ovation.
Tehrani still wanted to give his team applause.
“Still, we accomplished a lot this season, it’s hard for our seniors,” Tehrani said. “We had a great season.”
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