Three Goals A Charm For Cox
What is a dynasty?
Is it winning three regional titles in four years, as Cox's women have? Is it winning 11 regional titles since such competition began, as Cox's men have managed?
Maybe, on either one. But on Friday evening at Old Dominion University, both Falcon teams took the next step in building their own local soccer dynasties - and took a big step that long-sought-but-rarely-obtained state title.
Both Falcons groups roared to 3-0 victories in the finals of Eastern Region play, with the girls overcoming Kempsville for the third time this season and the boys holding off a pesky Hickory squad.
Chloe Russell got her team rolling just under 10 minutes into the game, lobbing in a long shot that just brushed keeper Katie Lape's fingertips. Less than four minutes later, a Charley Martin shot bounced off a defender and rolled toward the middle, where Jessie Klamut sent a line-drive into the left side of the net.
"I wanted to strike it, because we needed another goal," Klamut said. "We were pumped, because we knew we could take them." Emory Camper knocked in the last goal with just under six minutes left in the game.
Woodbridge's Forest Park, which lost 1-0 to Riverbend in the Northwest Regional final on Friday, will come to ODU on Tuesday to square off with the Lady Falcons, while Kempsville visits Riverbend.
"They're excited," said Kempsville coach Lauren Tucei of her girls, who helped her to her second Beach District Coach of the Year honor this season. "They knew what was at stake, but they're ready to go on the road."
Paul Braunstein crossed up the Hawk defense with a quick turnaround goal in the 21st minute of the boys game, and Hunter Byrnes sent an assist to David Ellis for a 2-0 lead with two minutes left in the half.
"That gave us a huge advantage mentally going into halftime," Ellis said. "We came back and put them away." He helped finish things out with an assist to Will Martin with about 10 minutes left in the game.
"I knew Hickory had some good forwards, so I had to play my game," said Cox goalkeeper Jonathan Harris, who allowed just one goal in three tournament victories and fought off 14 Hawk shots Friday. "I have a great defense that helps me out."
Hickory goes to the winner of Friday night's Gar-field-Patrick Henry game, while Cox stays home and hosts the loser.
"Obviously Cox was the better team tonight, but if we get a couple bounces our way, we made be able to make an impact," said Hickory coach Eric Blackmore. "I'm really proud of my guys' work."
Now both Falcon squads hope that their luck continues in places where it hasn't before; the state games. Despite all its regional success, the boys haven't been to the top of Virginia for nearly two decades, which the girls have lost the last two state title games.
"I feel good about it. We have some experience with our team," said Cox coach Michele Clark, equipped with six seniors. "It's the state tournament, so anything can happen."
