Sanders Leads Spartans Past Salem 20-16
ASHBURN, VA - After winning a share of the Dulles District Championship, the Broad Run Spartans entered Monday's regional match-up against the Salem Spartans determined to make some noise.
Broad Run jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after Connor Forman and Andy Londos both provided one goal a piece. However, Salem jumped back with a four goal run after Chris Fisher and Daniel Dyer both scored one goal, along with two goals from Jimmy Buriak.
Both Broad Run and Salem traded goals for four minutes until Salem went on a three goal run, with one goal being provided each by Fisher, Dyer, and Buriak. The first quarter ended with Salem leading 8-7.
Broad Run came out firing in the second quarter. Eric Madigan opened up the scoring in the third quarter with a goal with 11:09 remaining. With the score tied at 8-8, Broad Run's Tim Sanders ran off two quick goals to give Brad run a 10-8 lead with 5:38 left. With 5:18 left, Eric Madigan struck again for the Spartans to extend the lead to three goals. Salem put a halt to Broad Run's run though, as Chris Fisher struck with only a minute to go in the half. An exciting first half finally came to an end with Broad Run leading 11-9.
After a high scoring first half, the defense and goal-keeping for both squads began to shine in the second half. Sanders was the first to strike in the second half with 8:12 to go. He scored for Broad Run, bringing the score to 12-9 in Broad Run's favor. Salem quickly responded though, as Daniel Dyer scored with 7:57 left. Broad Run scored again when Geoff O'Kane scored with 7:00 left in the third quarter. Broad Run's Ryan Madigan scored with 6:15 left and 15 seconds later, Connor Forman struck with a goal, giving Broad Run a five goal lead. Overall, Broad Run outscored Salem 6-2 in the third quarter.
The pace of the game in the fourth quarter didn't change much as Broad Run held off Salem to win 20-16. With the victory, Broad Run advanced to the Region finals.
"We played really well, we passed the ball well, and we shot really well too," said Broad Run head coach Phil Truiett after the game.
Broad Run will face Western Albemarle, who defeated Heritage on Monday to advance to the Region title game.
Chick-fil-A Players of the Game:
Broad Run: Tim Sanders
With five goals on the night, Tim Sanders proved to be the X-Factor for Broad Run. With three assists on the night as well, Sanders played a part in 8 of the 20 Broad Run goals.
Salem: Daniel Dyer
With seven goals on the night, Dyer proved to be the beat player on the field for Salem. Only a sophomore, Dyer will return to play for Salem next year, and may prove to be one of the best players in the area.
