A questionable goal with six minutes to play gave Hillsborough High School a 4-3 win and the 4A District 9 boys soccer championship Friday in a back and forth game with Strawberry Crest.
Hillsborough had a ball go off the inside corner of the right post with just over six minutes to play in the second half, bouncing back into the field of play. The line judge ruled that the ball fully crossed the line, giving the Terriers a 4-3 lead that Strawberry Crest could not overcome — both physically and emotionally.
“The official was making the call from the six [yard line], so I’m not sure how he can see from there,” SCHS head coach Scott Vomacka said about the final goal. “I disagree with the call, but it’s his call to make.”
With tempers charged, the Chargers couldn’t get the equalizer. Their best chance came on a breakaway from standout Mazeed Aro-Lambo with just over three minutes to play. Aro-Lambo fell down after contact, but no call was made. Aro-Lambo received a yellow card for his reaction and had to leave.
He would return with only a minute left, but time would run out on the Chargers, marking the second straight year they fell in the district championship. Strawberry Crest tied Hillsborough 3-3 in the regular season, battling back from a first half deficit.
Aro-Lambo scored two of Strawberry Crest’s goals Friday, with Patrick Mayo scoring the third off a header with 12:52 to play in the second half, tying the game at 3-3.
Strawberry Crest will now head to Seminole High School Jan. 30 in the regional quarterfinals. The Chargers faced Seminole last year in that round, losing 7-0.
Vomacka hopes that the way his team lost in the district finals will fuel, instead of hinder them at regionals.
“I hope they can bounce back from this,” he said. “From here on out, it’s win or go home.”
