Last night the Crusaders hosted the Ventures of Bishop Foley in boys soccer. The game was mostly even in the first half, with the Crusaders having a slight edge in possession until the Ventures capitalized on a marking mishap off of a throw-in and were able to enjoy a 1-0 lead going into halftime. The second half saw possession turn even heavier towards the Crusaders favor, with Sam Griswold finishing a breakaway to bring the score to level. The Ventures were awarded a PK after some nifty footwork in the Crusaders 18 led to a careless foul. Stepping up to take the kick, the Ventures effort was thwarted by Freshman goalkeeper Lucas Gaertner with a huge fingertip save on his birthday!

After some back and forth physical play; Crusaders forward Tom McCann was taken down in the penalty box by the Ventures goalkeeper on a breakaway and was awarded a PK, which Sam Griswold buried to bring the Crusaders ahead 2-1! The scoreline would not stand however; with only minutes remaining in the match, the Ventures were awarded a free kick in the Crusaders zone, which was initially saved by Gaertner, but the rebound fell to the head of a Ventures player who was able to capitalize on the fortunate rebound to tie the score at 2.

With a literally last second breakaway, Tom McCann's effort was saved by a brilliant reflex effort by the Foley keeper, which saw time expire on the night's match just as lightning was starting to roll in. 

Link for photos courtesy of Katelyn Fry: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jK8xTrhnyPGJRuhM9