I Hate Shootouts

An up and down season ended with a dull thud on Tuesday night. Sometimes heart, fight, integrity, and a sense of team aren't enough to carry a team on to victory. After 110 minutes of scoreless play, Luther came out one goal short in a penalty shootout to decide the future of the season. After starting well and fighting throughout the game, it looked like Luther had the game in hand. Mark Fernandes fought through a Simpson defender early in the game and looked to be in behind. A goal was sure to come when he put the ball just over the crossbar. As the half closed, Jimmy Laroque appeared to have beaten the keeper to the far post when the ball strayed just wide of the post. The first half closed scoreless, with great performances from sophomore Steve O'Meara, first year Micah Kust, recording his first collegiate start, and sophomore Jake Kessler.
The second half started slowly with Luther struggling to create chances going forward. They defended well and worked hard for each other, with few chances being created on either side. The half closed with a flurry of Luther free-kicks and corners and were unable to capitalize. When Quezada put a low corner into the danger area and it squeaked through to the back post, it seemed Luther would find the goal it was looking for, but they were unable to convert and let another chance slip though their fingers. But Luther were gifted a new life when Simpson was awarded a penalty kick after a hand ball in the box and missed low and wide. It seemed as if luck were on the side of the Norse this evening. But it was not to be.
Overtime was more of the same and it looked like both teams had signed a non-aggression pact and had agreed to let a shootout decide things. When the shootout came, Luther had to like its chances with IIAC defensive player of the week in goal and having converted every penalty opportunity this season. Unfortunately, Mike Olson put Luther's first shot just over the top left corner, and Simpson was able to make all five of their shots, leaving the final 5-3 in favor of the Storm. A shootout is a terrible way to lose and does not reflect the better team, but such is the game we love.
In the end, the Luther staff could have not asked more from their team this year. With a conference record that went from 3-4-1 to 5-3 and finishing fourth instead of sixth in conference, the Norse were a stronger team than their record suggests. After a few tough games early in the year in Chicago, the Norse consistently outplayed and out-shot opponents right up to the very end. Things look bright for Luther's future, and we look forward to a great off season and preparation to make our mark next season. Thanks to all the readers, fans, supporters, parents and friends who make the Luther Soccer family and experience so great.