Braves and Warriors split six goals in Woodburn
The Bellmont Braves and Woodlan Warriors finished in a 3-3 tie in Woodburn on Wednesday, a fitting result for an enthralling match that both teams battled hard to win.
Both clubs played well enough to come away victorious. Neither side would have deserved to end the night empty handed.
Fans turned out in good numbers at Etzler Fielde for a match that was played under the lights and in comfortable conditions.
A chaotic first half saw both teams beat the opposing goalkeeper twice.
Both sides scored early in the second half to make it a 3-3 match.
As the second half progressed, it was apparent that neither team was willing to accept the draw. Both pushed for the winning goal in the late stages.
Bellmont (2-3-1, 1-1 Northeast 8) was the more likely of the two to break the deadlock in the second half. The Braves put the Warrior defense under pressure and generated some good opportunities.
Taufeeq Ally scored two of the Bellmont goals on Wednesday. Ally also provided an assist for the only other Bellmont scorer on the night, Jack Johnson.
The other assists for the Braves came from Colsen White and Daniel Vogel.
In spite of having most of the attacking play, the Braves could not cash in to take the lead.
Woodlan (0-4-1, 0-1 Allen County) came close to a surprise go-ahead goal on a few occasions in the second half.
Most of the offensive threat posed by the Warriors came on the counterattack. They were particularly effective when they moved the ball through the wide areas into the Bellmont half.
The Braves thwarted most of those opportunities, though, largely limiting the Woodlan chances to long-range shots.
Both teams played with urgency into the final seconds as they searched for a way to secure a dramatic win.
But after the six goals that were already scored, both defenses were resolute until the final whistle, preventing the opposing offense from producing the winner.
The draw with the Warriors follows a win over Norwell a night earlier for the Braves. The teams combined to score six goals on that occasion, as well.