#4 Argos - $15 NorthWood 2-3 (0-2) Argos Invite Final

After the coaches had a chance to speak with Argos's loopiest of fans and with the hope that the Dunlap girls had made it to Eugene Snyder Field, it is finally time to take the field and battle for some hardware. The Panthers do not come out flat this time around. They realize this is a worthy opponent, hence their #4 ranking in 1A. It looks like the Dragons themselves think they are pretty good as well gauging their reaction when NW's Michael Hahn passes to his right to Kayden Newcomer who finds Andre near the box. Andre shoots and scores, 0-1 in minute 7. The Dragons look shocked; they are not used to being scored on this early. It was obvious to the coaches that Argos has make some changes by taking their best defender and moving him up the field. Kayden takes advantage of that as he feasts on #13 in the early part of the first half. Argos #7, a very talented player, close shot is saved by Andrew Graber. It will not be Andrew's last important save of the game. In the 26th, Sebastian crosses a ball to Andre who puts in NW's second goal; 0-2. Two minutes before HT, Argos #3 gets a free kick on the frame but Andrew comes up big with a nice save. 0-2 is the half time score. The hope is for one more goal early in the second half to take the wind out of the Dragons' sails. In the 57th, Kayden gets mauled in the box and the Panthers get awarded another PK. Trent goes up to the spot but is not money in the bank this time as he puts it over the goal. Four minutes later we get the strangest goal of the tournament. On the left side of the Argos box, a Dragon defender attempts to clear the ball but shanks it. The ball flies into the box and is headed towards Cam. Cam gets a head on it but it goes for the Argos keeper. But the ball goes in between his legs and over the line for a 0-3 lead. A chaotic end of the game ensues as Argos starts to press and NW is unable to put too many passes together. There is little possession on either side and a lot of hard nosed kick ball is the result. Argos scores in the 62nd, enhancing the NW anxiety. It gets worse when they score again 9 minutes later. The Panthers battle through the last 9 minutes but hold on for a deserving win. We win the tournament, go home with a trophy and are 9-1 on the season. The Panthers work hard and defend from all positions all night long. Congratulations boys.WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!