DECATUR -- It was one of the most important soccer matches of the season for the Decatur Bulldogs as they took on number one Dardanelle May 7 at Bulldog Stadium in Decatur. This game marked the final time that eight seniors would play before a home crowd and their final regular season match of their high school career.
Before the game, the seniors, each accompanied by a family member, were introduced by Decatur High principal Toby Conrad as they made their way to midfield. They received a huge round of applause as they stood before the home crowd. Seniors Eddie Lucio (team captain), Carlos Ocampo, Tony Mendoza, Brody Funk, Allan Castaneda, Hector Aguilar, Antonio Rosales and Luis "Joni" Fuentes all had a hand in making their last game as Bulldogs one of the most memorable in Decatur soccer history.
The Bulldogs needed this win to tie for the regular season championship. A Sand Lizard defeat would put Dardanelle, Danville and Decatur in a three-way tie, each with a record of 10 and 1. The championship would be decided by points accumulated during each conference match. Each team counted up to three points per match. For example, of the 19 that Decatur scored against Lead Hill two weeks ago, only three would count towards the total championship point count. The same would be true of all of Dardanelle and Danville conference wins.
This scenario came about from the Dardanelle and Danville game May 6. Both teams were undefeated going into that match. However, Dardanelle overpowered Danville and took the match to maintain a perfect conference record going into the Decatur match. All hinged on the outcome of the Bulldog-Sand Lizard match.
As the first few minutes ticked away on the clock, it became clear that these were the most evenly-matched teams in the conference.
In the first half, both Decatur's Meng Vang and Dardanelles's goalies aggressively defended the net, knocking down scoring attempt after scoring attempt. After 40 minutes of play the half ended with both teams scoreless.
In the second half, the Bulldogs and Sand Lizards both played with an aggressive style more like warriors in a classic battle scene than players on a soccer field. But, when the final seconds ticked off the clock, the score remained 0 to 0.
What happened next was described by Barry James, Decatur soccer coach, as "something I had never been a part of in my entire career as a soccer coach." The match went into a penalty kick-off.
Each team picked five players. One player from each team would go against the opposing team's goalie one-on-one. The team that made it to five points won the match.
The Sand Lizards made their first three shots, as did Decatur. However, on their fourth shot, Dardanelle missed, giving Decatur a chance to win the game. But the Decatur player missed his attempt, making it a 4 to 4 tie at the end of the first rounds.
As with the first five rounds, each team coach picked five more players. At this point, it was the team that was ahead at the end of the round which would win the contest. Dardanelle missed three times, giving Decatur the chance to win the match. But each time the Bulldog player also missed his goal.
An eerie silence came over the crowd as each player took his position in front of the goal. The only sound heard was that of the foot hitting the back of the ball and the goalie's grunts as he tried to block the shot.
After 14 rounds, the score was tied 8 to 8. Decatur had four players left on the bench to Dardanelle's seven. At this point, with few options available, James had to choose one of his young, less experienced players to compete in the 15th round. That player took his position, adjusting the ball to fit his comfort level, and took the shot. The ball flew just outside and missed the inside of the goal by mere inches. The game advantage turned in Dardanelle's favor. The tension level in Bulldog stadium was at the highest level of the match. The Dardanelle kick sailed past Meng Vang and into the net, giving the Sand Lizards the match, 9 to 8, and also the district title.
Scoring during the penalty kick rounds were Carlos Ocampo, Tony Mendoza, Eddie Lucio, Antonio Rosales, Jafett Puga, Meng Vang, Jonathan Vargas and Alexis Gramajo.
"I'm proud of the way the guys played today. They played really hard," James said. "Going up against the number one team, we played them stride for stride. I told them before the game to look at this as a practice game for state and we did that. I think we are ready for state. There is no shame in losing a match to pks (penalty kicks)."
With the second loss in conference play, Decatur finished third in the district in regular season play. Now the attention turns to the state tournament on May 14 through 16 in Little Rock.
The state tournament games are divided into rounds much like that of the NCAA basketball tournaments in March. If Decatur gets to the final four, the team will return to the University of Arkansas soccer complex in Fayetteville May 22 for the two-game final.
For the Decatur Bulldog soccer team, the 2015 season has been the best among the best. The team went 9 and 2 in conference. The Bulldogs played some of Northwest Arkansas 7A soccer power houses and only lost by one or two points. Now all attention turns to the state tournament. The entire team has but one goal in mind when it travels to Little Rock, to bring home the state title.
For more on the state tournament bracket go to www.ahsaa.org/activity/14/soccer or decatursd.com.
Sports on 05/13/2015