What started out as Senior Night for the Bel Air Boys Soccer team, turned into a Chesapeake Division Championship celebration on Tuesday, October 16th at Bobcat Stadium.
The Bobcats came out on top over cross-town rival Fallston by a score of 2-1and with the win the Bobcats clinched the Chesapeake Division Soccer Championship for 2012 and an undefeated Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference (UCBAC) record.
Before the game even started though the Bobcats had reasons to celebrate as Pre-game ceremonies were held for the soccer team’s 6 senior players: Carson Kalama (Captain), Nat Hand (Captain), Nick Adams (Captain), Ryan Han, Austin McKinney, and Chris Noll.
The intense battle between the Bobcats and Cougars, stayed close all the way to the end of the game. Bel Air led 1-0 at halftime, with the lone goal scored by junior Andrew Marinich. Bel Air added another goal in the 2nd half, from sophomore Drew Adams. Both Bel Air goals were assisted by junior Martin Palacios. Goalie Ryan Han collected 9 saves on 10 shots, allowing just 1 goal with about 8 minutes left in the game.
Head Coach Dom Rose was very pleased with the Bobcats play. “Playing Fallston is always a big emotional game. Our main goal was to come out and not let that affect how we played. Both teams played very well. In the first half we were able to take advantage on a corner kick. In the second half, we settled down and were able to possess a little bit more, which is how we like to play. Carson Kalama and Nat Hand attract so much attention on the offensive end that it helps the rest of our team by getting opportunities to score off of that pressure. Fallston is very talented and made the game a lot closer with the late goal. After this game, it marks the second time in 3 years we finished 6 – 0 in the division. We feel very fortunate and are looking forward to playing even better in the playoffs.”
Before the team can begin to think about the Maryland State Playoffs the Bobcats must first play in the UCBAC championship game on Tuesday, October 23rd at 7pm at Bobcat Stadium. The team will be taking on the winner of the Susquehanna Division at the cost of the game is $5.
In other soccer news, last Friday night against North Harford, Senior Captain Carson Kalama scored 2 goals in a 3-1 victory for Bel Air. These two goals broke the Bel Air High School all-time record for most goals scored. This record was held for 43 years by Greg Zebedic. Carson currently has 38 career goals and 42 career assists through his four years as a varsity player. Kalama and the Bobcats must now prepare for the upcoming playoffs.