Photos by Julie Jones

 

After school was over and students were off on summer vacation Godwin boys’ soccer was still on their journey for a state championship.  The Saturday after final exams the team made the trip down I-95 to Lake Braddock High School to face Albermarle in the state semifinals.

The Eagles came into the game with a record of 20-1 and an impressive 16 game win streak. The boys had previously beaten Albermarle in a scrimmage at the beginning of the season and they were looking to do the same at Lake Braddock.

In a closely contested first half, Godwin seniors Hampton and Cullen Hall both scored goals in the first half of play while Albermarle only scored one. The Eagles went into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

The game remained close going into the second half.  Albermarle scored two more times to gain the lead in the 65 minute but Godwin junior, Henry Mordica, scored a breakaway goal shortly after to tie the game up again at 3-3.

“William “Wet Willy” Selden lofted the ball forward causing a mix-up between the centerback and goalkeeper, then when the ball popped out I happened to be in the right place at the right time to poke it home” said Mordica.

Unfortunately in the 77 minute Albermarle managed to get a free kick. Senior keeper, Patrick Hagerman (currently playing Georgia Southern University), was able to save the initial shot on goal easily, but an Albermarle player was able to kick in the rebound.

Both sides could not get anything going after that and Albermarle won by the skin of their teeth, 4-3.

Even though the boys were not able to win the state championship they still had a ridiculously successful season.  Twelve players were named to all-conference. This was also the first season since 2003 that Godwin has been the regional champions.

Godwin Boys’ soccer lost some key seniors, but will hopefully be able to build on the success of last season this coming spring.

“We were privileged to have been a part of one of the most successful teams in Godwin soccer history. It is going to be tough to replace all the talent we lost but I am confident that we have the players to go one step further this coming season,” said Godwin midfielder, Will Selden.