Everything was going Jesuit's way, from the 1-0 semifinal victory over previously undefeated Gaither, to a rematch against nationally ranked Montverde Academy in the High School Classic tournament final.
Then a little more than 50 minutes into the final at Shimberg Park, it appeared the Tigers might pull off a perfect day as they led Montverde 1-0 ...
"And then we had a few things go against us," Jesuit coach Bob Bauman said.
The first was a Montverde penalty kick that occurred after a collision in the box. About 10 minutes later, Montverde rifled a shot in the top of the net, and about 10 minutes after that the Eagles sealed it with another goal for a 3-1 victory.
All in all, however, a good day for Jesuit, which reached its fifth final in the High School Classic's 17-year history.
"I'm proud of our guys," Bauman said. "We came out and got that 1-0 lead and we felt pretty good. Montverde just made some great plays."
Against Gaither, Jesuit (15-3) broke ahead 10 minutes into the second half when Tyler Hartlage fired in his 16th goal of the season. As it turned out, it was the winning goal against a Gaither team that entered 12-0-1.
"I think when we got that goal it took the wind out of (Gaither)," Bauman said. "Gaither played great defense and their keeper (John Nardozzi) was fantastic, but that goal ... I really think it was a blow to them."
Montverde, ranked as high as No. 2 in national polls, advanced to Wednesday's final by beating Lakeland Jenkins 1-0.
The victory was Montverde's second of the season against Jesuit. In the first meeting Nov. 13, Montverde won 2-1.
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