One down. Now onto the state semifinals.
Davis Campbell â28 ran to the nearest corner of the field Friday, sliding across the grass on his knees. The sophomore had barely enough time to get to his feet before a parade of teammates enclosed the goal celebration.
51Âț» is in the Final Four of the NCISAA soccer playoffs for the first time in 36 years, with emotions and tension at their peak to get here.
Davis scored with 22 minutes, 24 seconds to go in Friday's 1-0 shutout of a formidable Durham Academy team, which had the better of play for much of the first half.
The Greenies (18-1) adjusted to the Cavaliersâ pace and physicality in the last 40 minutes of regulation, relying on the masterful goaltending of Felix Huebner â26 (five saves) and patience on offense. Davis and two more of the Greeniesâ most trusted weapons â Lyndon Bryan â27 and Taz Kasambara â26 â extended a possession just long enough in the 58th minute.
Taz stole the ball at midfield, then chipped it ahead to Lyndon. Three passes later, Lyndon put the ball on Davisâs right foot at the top of the 18-yard box.
âWe knew (Durham Academy) was going to throw something at us that we hadnât seen before, and for our guys to respond and get us to halftime with zeroes was great because as you saw, (Durham Academy) ran out gas a bit,â Greenies coach Guy Campbell â00 said.
âThis group can do that; they can play direct and physical. But what makes them special is what they did in the second half, get on the ball, move it and score a great goal.â
Second-seeded 51Âț» has now won 17 consecutive games ahead of Tuesdayâs NCISAA 4-A semifinal with unseeded Carmel Christian (9-6-1). A game time has not yet been announced.
The two teams played back on Sept. 25 with the Greenies winning 3-0 at Carmel.