On Friday, Nov. 12, the Bel Air Boys’ Soccer Team advanced to the State Championship after knocking off Severna Park 2-0 in the semis at Wise High School.

The Bobcats took on the Falcons in their first State Semifinal game since 2007. After a 3-1 loss to Severna park earlier in the season, the Cats were looking for revenge. Early on in the game, the Falcons bossed possession and moved the ball around quickly and effectively. After a giveaway in the back by the Falcons, the Bobcats sprung out and attacked. Senior Jacob Rannie knotted down a header to the foot of Connor Lorenz who volleyed it into the bottom left corner to put the Cats ahead. In the second half, the Falcons continued to see the majority of the ball, but failed to generate a true goal-scoring chance. With about 15 minutes left in the game, sophomore Ethan Lassen was brought down in the penalty box, giving the Bobcats a chance to convert from the penalty spot. Vince Rose made no mistake, slotting the ball home to lift the Bobcats to victory, 2-0.

After the final whistle was blown, and the traveling supports screamed in excitement, the team stormed the field after getting revenge on the Falcons and most importantly, advancing to the State Championship. For the seniors, this will be the last time they will pull on a Bel Air soccer jersey. How fitting that it will be in the State Finals.

“What a tremendous feeling. I’m very excited to represent my school in the State Finals. It’s an incredible honor.” Says senior Gray Harper. “I can’t wait for the game; it should be amazing.”

The Bobcats’ opponent will be Walter Johnson, a Montgomery County powerhouse who have only lost one game all season to Winston Churchill High. This will be by far the strongest team the Cats have faced all season. They will need to bring their A-game if they want to lift the State Championship trophy.

“I’m very excited,” says goalie Cam Riley, “I feel that the team has played incredibly well in the playoffs and we’ve been firing on all cylinders. We’re a tough team to beat right now, hopefully we can continue to perform.”

The final game will be played at Ridley Athletic Complex at Loyola University, on Friday evening, Nov. 18, at 5:00 p.m. Bring your friends, sisters, brothers, cousins, grandmothers and neighbors, to pack the stands at this prestigious facility, as the Bobcats fight the Wildcats for the 4A State Championship!!