On Monday, Nov. 7, the Bel Air Bobcats Boys’ Soccer Team knocked off Sherwood 2-0, to secure their first regional title since 2007.

After taking down Perry Hall just three days earlier, the Cats now faced Montgomery County powerhouse Sherwood at home to lift the regional trophy for the first time in 9 years. As you would expect, the game was played at a frantic pace as the players were looking to establish themselves in this championship game. Both teams had chances early, but neither could finish. The game grinded on with multiple hard tackles and yellow cards for Sherwood, which left the warrior defense walking on eggshells for the remainder of the game as they tried to avoid being sent off. After a crazy and hard fought 40 minutes of soccer, both teams walked into the locker room with the scoreboard showing 0-0.

Midway through the second half, the big man struck again. Senior Jacob Rannie flipped his header to the far post to give Bel Air the lead. After the goal, Sherwood increased their pressure to equalize. With 11 minutes left, Bel Air thought they had doubled their lead after Connor Lorenz’s shot was deflected into the back of the net by Ryan Albright. Little did the celebrating Bobcats know, Albright was standing in an offside position when the ball hit off his rear end. While the Bobcats celebrated, Sherwood took the free kick quickly and moved down the field to score a goal to level the game at 1 apiece. The rest of the game was hectic and insane. Neither team could find the breakthrough and we were headed to overtime. In OT, neither team generated a chance to take the lead. Penalties were needed to declare a champion. Vince Rose finished his game-winning penalty to give the Bobcats the trophy at their home stadium.

“Last night was another huge win for the boys’ soccer program. The team rallied from a late equalizing goal from Sherwood to eventually win in penalty kicks, 5-4.  Bel Air made all five of their kicks to clinch the win. This is our first regional championship since 2007, when we went to the finals. A big step forward for a great group of young men!” Coach Dom Rose states about the historic night.

A key to the Bobcat’s success is their defense, led by seniors Noah Rusinko and Cam Reilly. Both players were instrumental to the long playoff run made by the Cats and they hope to continue their great play to shut down Severna Park in the semifinals on Saturday.

“It was a hard-fought match, but we pushed through adversity and came out on top.” Says Rusinko. He was injured the first time these two powerhouses met earlier in the season. The Falcons had knocked off the Bobcats 3-1.

The Bobcats played (and won!) their state semi match against the Severna Park Falcons on Saturday, Nov. 12.