Comments (8)|
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
February 10, 2007 - 12:55AM
Gilbert Highland boys win soccer title
By Kyle Odegard, Tribune
Region, city, state — the Gilbert Highland boys soccer team has all the bragging rights now. After beating Gilbert twice during the regular season, the Hawks turned the trifecta on Friday night, with this one counting for much more than verbal ammunition.
Though Gilbert continually threatened, it was a Sean Miller header that bounced off a Gilbert defender and into the net which gave Highland a 1-0 victory and its first 5A-I state championship Friday night at ASU Soccer Stadium.
It was the Hawks’ third one-goal victory over Gilbert this year.
“Let alone winning the state championship, but beating Gilbert three times in one year — it’s a great feeling,” Miller said.
Miller’s goal came off a corner kick. The pass overshot the goal, but Miller snuck in from behind to center it back to the middle. The ball then caromed off a Gilbert defender and into the net.
“They (Gilbert) thought it was going out of bounds, and I just ran through it and headed it back across,” Miller said.
It was a play the team worked on all season.
“To win a state championship with (that designed play), you can’t do it any better than that, huh?” Highland coach Tim Barmettler said.
Lock-down defense had been a theme of late. Highland shut out seven straight opponents to end the year, including a 2-0 victory against Phoenix Mountain Pointe to reach the championship.
The Hawks outscored opponents 21-0 in that stretch.
On this night, though, the Tigers had their chances. Gilbert defeated Chandler Basha to reach the championship, and the Tigers got the ball inside the Highland penalty box, but couldn’t finish.
“We had more than enough chances tonight,” Gilbert coach Jeff Perry said. “But if you don’t put them on frame, it’s tough to score goals.”
Gilbert looked like the better team early, keeping the ball in Highland territory and getting good chances. But Highland goalkeeper Kord Johnson was there to weather the storm, and once the Hawks took the lead the defense really clamped down. Gilbert did not get an on-target shot on goal in the second half.
Reader comments (8)
This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below. Responsibility lies solely with the comment author.
Cris
Hawks backline is the best state has seen in a long time and their strikers are big, fast and effective because they consistently make as many plays &assists as they do goals. 16 Hawks players scored this season. 10 top players return for next year. If the game had been reffed properly you would have seen more of the class and quality of real soccer that Hawks are known for. Hawks not only beat Gilbert they beat the ref, who needs to retire. He missed a blatant penalty, directed a ridiculous re-start and failed to control taunting, cheapshots and dangerous plays. In spite of that Hawks had more shots on target and finished with a 7 game shut out and were THE team that “pursued victory with honor”. Comment has been reviewedFebruary 10, 2007
Rob
HELL YEAH GOOD WORK GUYS..... Suggest removal of this commentFebruary 11, 2007
Brittany
GOOD JOB MY SOCCER BOYSSS. YOU GUYS DEFINITELY DESERVED THIS. WAY TO GO! =] Suggest removal of this commentFebruary 11, 2007
Shane
That was by far the greatest game ive been to this season and they will do it again next year for sure. Comment has been reviewedFebruary 11, 2007
Chris
Way to use your head sean!-Chelsea's dad Suggest removal of this comment
February 11, 2007
James
Chris I could not agree more. The back line for the Hawks is incredible. I just thought I would give a little insight to the story that some have just read. That goal by Sean Miller was on a perfect corner kick from fellow defender Anthony Whitlatch... Meaning the defense is truly a complete package as a threat on both sides of the ball. And let’s clear up what Kyle Odegard wrote here. The ball did sail past the goal but the way its written makes it sound like a mistake. Next time go watch more of Highland's games and you will see that the back post is often the target that Whitlatch aims for. So it wasn't a broken play that found the net it was actually perfect execution.And for goodness sake will someone with a spec of athletic ability and an actual interest in soccer PLEASE volunteer to ref a high school soccer game. I can’t believe we pay these people who can’t seem to tell the difference between football and soccer, nor do they understand the game enough to make an educated call (i.e. an advantage).
If anyone wants to see more of that great back line in action, check out the Gilbert Arsenal 90' boys (it’s all the same kids in the same positions) as they defend their state title as a club team. Suggest removal of this comment
February 14, 2007
Jean
I agree with you James. Great way to put it. Maybe someday we will get a writer that can get the story straight. Suggest removal of this commentFebruary 20, 2007
chelsea
like i said. sean miller is my boyfriend :] i am VERY proud of you boys you guys played one hell of a season! Comment has been reviewedApril 30, 2007