Adversity isn’t a word used to describe Grand Island often this fall. But after allowing five goals all season, the Vikings trailed 1-0 56 seconds into the game.
It was 2-0 15 minutes later.
Brockport gave the unbeaten Vikings a nasty welcome to the Class A Far West Regional on Saturday at Geneseo High School. But the Section VI champions weren’t ready to go home without a fight.
Grand Island clawed to make it 2-1 before halftime and then responded again to cut the lead to 3-2. But Brockport had more answers.
William Hawken recorded a hat trick to guide the Blue Devils to a 4-2, ending Grand Island’s season on the doorstep of states. The Vikings finished the season 19-1-1.
Even after falling into an early hole, the Vikings outshot Brockport 8-3 at halftime and 14-4 in the contest, Grand Island couldn’t convert on headers in front of Brockport goalkeeper Ty Sherman, who only allowed 18 goals all season. Grand Island did get a goal from Jack Pachla in the 27th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1, but shots from at least 20 yards hit the top of the crossbar.
A goal from Alper Celik in the 76th minute helped Grand Island cut the deficit to 3-2 with 4:48 left in regulation, with his shot from 15 yards out rolling from Sherman. But a final attempt from Luke Hutton with 45 seconds remaining went over the net.
Defensively, Grand Island entered the contest allowing only five goals on the season, with three coming in four postseason contests. After allowing the quick goals for Brockport, Grand Island limited possession in its midfield and defensive zones.
But the Vikings were called for penalties twice, resulting in the two penalty kicks. Both penalty kicks came as Brockport’s Cash Rosado came sprinting towards the net.
With the victory, Brockport improved to 19-1 on the season and play Section II’s Schalmont in the Class A state semifinal at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at Middletown High School.