The Patriot District semifinal between W.T. Woodson and Robinson was one of the few boys’ soccer games that got squeezed in during Tuesday night’s inclement weather, and it was a good one. In the teams’ third meeting of the year, the Cavaliers took the rubber match from the Rams, 3-2, in a sudden-death third overtime. Senior Bruno Da Silva’s right-footed volley was the game-winner.
Having not lost since April 10, Robinson had come into the game red-hot, and that momentum carried the Rams to a 2-0 lead at halftime. But Woodson Coach Sean Burke said he decided to make one last push with about 20 minutes left, switching his formation to a more aggressive 3-5-2. Da Silva scored the Cavaliers’ first goal with about 12 minutes to go, and junior Harrison Tun, who had the game-winner the first time the teams met in early April, tied the score with a minute remaining.
“After that, the team was motivated,” Burke said. “In overtime, they looked like the more motivated team because they had been given this second chance.”
The tense match between Fairfax County rivals was good preparation for the district and possibly state playoff games ahead. For Woodson, Burke said a comeback like that can inspire confidence.
“It shows us, if we stick to the game plan, we can win any game,” he said. “This should give us great momentum.”
1. Oakton (12-0-2) Last week’s ranking: 1
The Cougars topped Westfield for the third time to reach the Concorde District final.
2. South Lakes (11-0-2) LW: 2
The Seahawks had a long break after the regular season because of a bye in the first round of the Liberty District playoffs.
3. Briar Woods (12-1-0) LW: 3
John Flynn scored in the Falcons’ 1-0 win over Tuscarora.
4. George Mason (13-0-1) LW: 4
With a 4-0 win over Clarke County on Tuesday, the Mustangs finished their Bull Run District schedule undefeated.
5. Loudoun Valley (14-1-0) LW: 5
The Vikings’ regular season finale against Woodgrove was postponed by Tuesday’s weather.
6. Stuart (10-2-1) LW: 7
After winning nine of their last 10 games in the regular season, the Raiders begin the playoffs Wednesday.
7. Battlefield (10-2-3) LW: 8
Inclement weather postponed the Bobcats’ match with Patriot.
8. Forest Park (10-3-3) LW: 6
The Bruins were tied with Gar-Field on Tuesday night when the match was postponed by weather.
9. Park View (11-4-0) LW: 9
The Patriots surged for eight goals in a win over Loudoun County.
10. W.T. Woodson (9-2-3) LW: NR
The Cavaliers have scored 17 goals in five games this month.
Dropped out: No. 10 Robinson (9-5-1)
On the bubble: Stone Bridge (9-4-3), Hylton (10-5-2), Yorktown (10-3-4)