Leesburg, VA (May 24, 2022) - The Tuscarora Huskies and Broad Run Spartans had played just a week ago with the Huskies getting a narrow 2-1 win on Broad Run's home field. Now, as the top seed in the tournament, the Huskies would host the fifth-seeded Spartans for a chance at playing in the tournament championship.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.
There is no other way to put it. Tuscarora was stunned when Broad Run's Taylor Reyes headed a corner kick in for a goal. It was just the 5th minute of the game, and there was a big crowd of players from both teams in front of the net. But somehow, Reyes got above everyone else and found the right side of the goal.
While they would not score again, the Spartans repeatedly found first half space on the right flank and kept consistent pressure on Huskies keeper Eve Kaufman for the first twenty minutes. But, led by center midfielder Mia Serna, Tuscarora finally started to push the flow of play back toward the Broad Run side.
But the story of the game may have been solid defense from both sides. After that first flurry, the game was played almost exclusively in the middle third of the field. And the most dangerous chances in the second half belonged to Tuscarora. But each time the Huskies got close there was a defender there to deflect a shot--or keeper Mara Dufour to block another--away from danger. In the end, that early goal proved to be the difference.
Tuscaora's season isn't over, and they have already earned their spot in regionals. But now Broad Run has a chance to extend their season beyond expectations. They'll play Loudoun Loudoun County for the tournament championship.
Final Score: Broad Run 1 - Tuscarora 0
