Sam Massick’20 zooms by defense. (Vaughn Armour’21/Staff)
The Columbus Academy boys soccer team geared up for a huge game in the state semifinals against Tippecanoe at London on Wednesday, November 6. The Vikes came into the game on a hot streak, hoping to take down the undefeated Red Devils.
Tipp City controlled the ball for most of the first half, using its athleticism and height advantage to keep the Vikes playing defensive. A great game from defenders Jared Kass’21 and Charlie Mueller’20, along with a huge save from keeper Luke Budzik’21 with five minutes left in the first half stopped the Red Devils from converting on any chances. CA got no great opportunities offensively, resulting in a scoreless first half.
Tippecanoe started the second half firing, with a relentless offensive attack fueled by a packed student and spectator section. The Vikings stopped multiple high powered throw-ins and corner kicks from the Red Devils, until a poor clear from CA wound up in a Tippecanoe strikers control. The striker took one dribble inside the box and fired a shot just out of Budzik’s reach, giving the Red Devils a 1-0 lead with 27 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Vikings couldn’t get anything going on the offensive side due to Tippecanoe’s sheer size, forcing CA to continue to play defensively. Budzik held off another score from the Devils with a save on a 15-yard missile with 15 minutes left. He threw the ball up the sideline to Jonah Houston’21, who made a pass up the field. CA played with a sense of urgency, got the ball to striker Blake Chiovaro’20 in the left corner, who skillfully dribbled around two Tipp City defenders and granted the Vikes the best opportunity of the night. He fired a shot at the goal and forced the Red Devils’ goalie to make a stop.
The game went back and forth for the rest of the dwindling minutes, but CA had one last attempt after a Tippecanoe defender hit the ball out of bounds with 20 seconds left, setting up a Viking corner kick. Houston kicked the ball into the scuffle of players in front of the goal, and while multiple Vikes got ahead on the ball, the Tippecanoe keeper came away with the ball, sealing the game.
Although this wasn’t the way the Vikes hoped the season would end, it was an incredible year for the squad. Senior leaders will be missed, but impressive underclassmen have proved they’re capable of leading the team in the upcoming year.
