The Elizabeth stands burst into an uproar as junior center back Ethan Wade stepped up to the 6-yard line for a penalty kick. In double overtime, the boys were seeking vengeance on the team that had eliminated them from the Union County Tournament two weeks prior. With the wind pushing him backwards, Wade resisted, striking the ball into the inner left corner post, crossing the goal line.
“We were knocking on the door the entire match, and we just needed one more opportunity to hold on,” said senior forward Ben Nematadzira. The boys had held on, securing their spot in the North 2, Group 4 sectional finals on Saturday.
Aside from Wade’s goal, Nematadzira had scored off of another penalty kick early in the first half. Nematadzira was fouled within the 18-yard box, and the Blue Devils were awarded with a penalty kick by the referees.
Senior captain and midfielder, Zach Preucil, had initially taken the penalty kick. Preucil’s shot had soared over the crossbar, but an Elizabeth player had entered the box too soon. The Blue Devils were granted another opportunity to take the kick, and this time, Nematadzira stepped up to the ball. A straight bullet to the back of the net left Elizabeth’s goalie diving to the ground.
Similarly, when Nematadzira was fouled in the 18-yard box again in the second half of double overtime, he had taken the shot. Like Preucil, Nematadzira missed on his attempt, but the Elizabeth goalie stepped over the line too early. This had ultimately led to Wade’s winning penalty shot.
“This is redemption week,” said Nematadzira.
Although the Blue Devils came out on top, Elizabeth put up a good fight. Towards the end of the first half, Elizabeth scored off of a free kick just outside of Westfield’s 18-yard box.
Elizabeth stayed competitive throughout the match, leeching off of the referee’s foul calls against Westfield. Overall, three yellow cards were handed out to the Blue Devils. Senior midfielder Ty Flannery had received a card within the first four minutes of the game, and in the second half, cards were given to junior defender Jake Pardes and senior captain and defender, David Savransky.
“To beat Elizabeth at Elizabeth is not an easy task,” said Wade. “Everyone wanted it. It was an unbelievable game.”
Head coach Eric Shaw said, “Playing a team a third time is always difficult. So you know, the third time is always the charm.”
The boys will face Scotch Plains in the sectional finals this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. at Kehler. Shaw said, “It’s about winning the sectional title. So, that’s ultimately what we’re trying to do.”
