2022.05.11 Boys Soccer: Briar Woods @ Riverside

Lansdowne, VA (May 11, 2022) - When last they met, the Briar Woods Falcons easily dismissed the Riverside Rams, 7-2, in a blowout victory. But now, in this last game of the regular season, the two teams were tied in points at the top of the Potomac District, and the winner would claim the top seed in the district tournament. Celebrating senior night, the Rams had home field advantage, but it would take more than that to possibly overcome the visiting Falcons.

Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.

The first eight minutes of the game seemed like a replay of the April 25 meeting. The Rams defense looked a bit out of focus, and were beaten twice from the right side by Falcon wing Joseph Pillera--the first one got past Riverside senior keeper Eddie Cisneros, who got the start on senior night, and the second one sailed over regular starter Cameron Ferrell. Just like that, Riverside was forced to have to come from behind.

Briar Woods continued to press while Riverside found their balance. The Rams did begin to penetrate the Falcons defensive third, but Briar Woods keeper Sheraz Saadat and his defensive backfield had complete control, calmly managing the game and patiently restarting the offense. Saadat rarely seemed rushed, and Riverside was unable to mount a threatening attack as the half ended with Briar still leading, 2-0.

Just three minutes into the second half, after an intense scramble in front of the Falcons' goal, Riverside's senior captain Chris Santiseban got the Rams on the board and cut the margin in half. And from that point, the pitch tilted heavily toward the Briar Woods end.

For the final thirty-five minutes, the match intensity was high as was the amount of physical play. Both teams knew what was at stake--the regular season title--and both wanted it bad. Riverside had the best chances--including a flurry of shots midway through the half--but neither team would score again, and the Falcons held on for the win and the regular season championship. 

Final Score: Briar Woods 2 - Riverside 1