By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After four previous double-overtime ties, Hayden's boys soccer team looked as if it might be headed towards another deadlock Wednesday.
But this time the Wildcats found a way to get the game-winner, with senior Preston Meitner scoring off a pass from junior Aiden Roberts with 5:17 left in the second 10-minute extra session to give Hayden a 2-1 non-league win over Leavenworth on Senior Night at Hayden.
Hayden senior Preston Meitner (13) scored the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 2-1 double-overtime soccer win over Leavenworth. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Hayden coach Klaus Kreutzer admitted that the Wildcats, who finished the regular season at 5-7-4, were getting a little tired of the string of OT contests.
"It takes its toll, but having said that, it shouldn't come to that,'' Kreutzer said. "You've got to do the work early and we had opportunities.''
But Kreutzer said Wednesday's come-from-behind victory should give Hayden momentum entering Class 4A-1A regionals next week.
"At least we ended the season on a good note, so I'm feeling good about what we're going to do next week,'' Kreutzer said.
Leavenworth (4-11-1) drew first blood with a goal from senior Brandon Pavlichka with 10:17 left in the first half, a lead that lasted through the remainder of the half.
Hayden senior Preston Meitner (13) scored the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 2-1 double-overtime soccer win over Leavenworth. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
But Hayden needed just 1:28 of the second half to square the match, with Roberts scoring the equalizer.
Neither the Wildcats or Pioneers could find the back of the net through the final 38:32 of regulation or through the first 10 minutes of overtime before Meitner, one of 10 Hayden seniors, ended the marathon in the second OT.
Postseason pairings will be determined on Saturday, with Hayden on the road for the first round of regional competition.
HAYDEN 2, LEAVENWORTH 1 (2 OT)
Leavenworth (4-11-1) 1 0 0 0 -- 1
Hayden (5-7-4) 0 1 0 1 -- 2
Leavenworth -- Goal: Brandon Pavlichka.
Hayden -- Goals: Aiden Roberts, Preston Meitner. Assist: Aiden Roberts.
