Chargers Storm Over Trojans To Regional Championship

Boys Soccer Playoffs: Midlothian Trojans vs. Chancellor Chargers

By: Greg Wolfe

The Chancellor Chargers were able to graciously welcome the chance to host the 4A-East Regional Championship Friday night. The Midlothian Trojans, who had upset the Jamestown Eagles in penalty kicks just the night before, were seemingly no match to the home team energy as the Chargers scored twice in the second half to eventually win 2-0.

The first half was full of missed opportunities for the Chargers, who owned the possession game. The Chargers also saw the return of their team captain, Nico Vega, in the first half. But his play time was limited after a rough play sent him to the ground and eventually limping off the field.

That was the only injury scare of the night for the Chargers, who have been facing injuries ever since the playoffs started. For the Trojans, they were missing two key players and a coach due to red card problems the night before. When the score was still tied 0-0 at halftime, the Trojans were breathing heavily and gracious the scoreboard was still empty after 5 shots on goal and 5 corner kicks by the Chargers.

Going into halftime, the Chargers were looking for answers on how to break the ice and find the net. Eli Carr, who has become the Chargers go-to scorer as of late, was the answer for the Chargers coming out of the half.

Just one minute into the second half, Ruben Niamien bodied his way into a Midlothian corner and spotted his teammates coming across the field. With a perfect pass across the box, Carr was able to easily knock it in to score the first goal of the night for the Chargers. The Chaos section and heavily supportive Chancellor fans went crazy, as the team mauled Carr who just keeps coming through clutch for his team.

The Trojans would try to get back into the game, as they started to feel their second wind. The offense had been about non-existent all night, partially thanks to some masterful defensive play by Kris Kokoneshi and Mike Kreider in the backfield, as the Trojans did not record a single shot on goal until the second half. Josh Reid, the Charger goalie, had an unusual lonely night only recording one save.

The Chargers would later look to create some distance, as it was Niamien again who had another good look from the Trojans' corner. He made a similar pass, but this time it was Herson Benitez who would find the net for a goal. Benitez faked out the Trojan goalie, causing him to dive and making it a clear shot for himself.

With only 9:30 left on the clock, the Chargers were able to coast to the finish line as the defense held strong and kept the Trojans from getting anywhere close to the net. As the clock wound down, the Chargers kept the shutout in tact and left no doubt as to who the 4A-East Champions were.

Some notable performances that go a bit unnoticed in the scorebook, would have to be Benitez and Escobar's efforts tonight. Both players were pivotal in ball movement and keeping the Trojans from ever creating a threat. Benitez had a rough couple games before hand, and looked back to his usual self as he was the commanding force on the field while Escobar continue's to be dangerous at midfield. 

The Chargers' story isn't over yet, despite claiming their second trophy of the year. Their next challenge will be at the state tournament next Friday, when they will hit the road to play the Charlottesville Black Knights who lost their conference championship tonight.

As this is my final article of the year due to graduation, I wish the Boys Soccer team good luck and know they will do great! Thank you for the wonderful season!

Stat Section

Chancellor Chargers

(Click image for full view)

Midlothian Trojans

(Click image for full view)