2022.10.17 Field Hockey: Briar Woods @ Riverside

Lansdowne, VA (October 17, 2022) - Prior to the opening whistle, the game announcer described the previous match between the Briar Woods Falcons and the Riverside Rams as a "double-overtime, double-shootout, last-second thriller." That game went to the Rams, and was the only thing separating the two teams in the Potomac District standings. It would be unrealistic to expect this rivalry renewal to be anything like that first meeting.

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

But it was...

As soon as the game started it became clear that goals would be at a premium. But it wasn't because the goalies or fullbacks were heroic--though each team fields impressive defensive contingents--it was because the entire game was played primarily in the space between the defensive thirds, so much of the credit goes to the strength of the midfielders on both sides.

Emblematic of the pace and style of the game, Riverside earned its first penalty corner with just two minutes remaining in the second quarter. Up to that point, neither team had been close enough to the opposing goal to even get off a threatening shot. But with that singular chance the Rams made the Falcons pay. Ria Chhina took the corner pass and struck a diving, slicing shot into the Briar Woods net for a 1-0 halftime lead.

The intensity of the match remained high throughout the second half, and it looked like Riverside would hold on for the win. But with two minutes remaining in regulation the Falcons were awarded a penalty corner--and they, too, made it count. Jaelen Perez, who had been excellent all night, found the back of the net to tie the game and send it to overtime. Once again, sudden victory would belong to the winner.

With players and spectators alike bracing for a lengthy overtime, the Rams had other ideas in mind. Moments into the first extra period, attacking aggressively, McKenna Davis took advantage of a scramble in front of the Falcon net and ended the game with a quick finish.

Final Score: Riverside 2 - Briar Woods 1