Darley Florvil (7) of Minneapolis Washburn attempted a shot on goal in the first half. Photo: CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com
Darley Florvil scored with 2:34 left in overtime to give Minneapolis Washburn a 1-0 victory in a defensive battle with Centennial on Wednesday at Chisago Lakes High School.
Florvil, named Mr. Soccer as the state's top senior and also the Star Tribune boys’ soccer Metro Player of the Year, tipped the ball past the Cougars goalkeeper and then slid it into the open net. During regulation Florvil had several opportunities in the box but couldn’t get a goal.
“I was working really hard,” the senior said. “I was telling myself that I could not let my team down. I just kept playing hard and kept playing hard. No way I was going to lose.
“I saw my teammate about to make a cross ball and saw the goalie and defense cheating. I was able to get the ball over [their] heads and to the back of the net.”
The Millers had more scoring chances than the Cougars but had two shots hit the post in regulation and another sailed just over the crossbar in overtime.
Cougars goalkeeper Richard Hemric III made a diving stop in regulation as well.
“It was really relieving [to score in overtime],” Millers coach Aaron Percy said. “We had to wonder if it was going to happen or if it was going to drag into overtime. I just told the kids to keep doing what they are doing and it was going to happen.”
Percy also credited the Millers’ opponents, saying Centennial was “really organized. They gave up nine goals all season for a reason. We knew it was going to take one. They did what they were going to do.”
First report
Darley Florvil scored in overtime to give Minneapolis Washburn a 1-0 victory over Centennial in a defensive battle in a Class 2A quarterfinal Wednesday at Chisago Lakes High School.
Florvil tipped a ball past the Cougars goalkeeper and slid the ball into the open net with 2:34 left in overtime.
The Millers had more scoring chances than the Cougars during the game, They had two shots hit the post in regulation and another sailed just over the crossbar in overtime. Cougars goalkeeper Richard Hemric III made a diving stop in regulation as well.
Check back later for more on the game.
