If ever a case could be made for Maryland’s strange-but-true rule that permits ties in state championship games, it was put forth Monday night at UMBC in the Class 4A boys soccer final.
When Walter Johnson and Thomas Johnson finished tied, 0-0, after 100 minutes, it seemed a just outcome of an evenly-matched game. They are co-champions, the 17th pair the last 24 years of boys soccer competition.
“We wish we could keep playing,” said WJ senior George Marchant. “But that’s not the rule. We’re champions. We had a great year. We achieved our goal.”
WJ (15-4-1) did it thanks to junior goalie Michael Swindale, who made the best of his five saves in the first overtime, tipping over the crossbar a rocket from 30 yards out by senior Jason Kremers.
TJ (17-1-1) goalie Drew Nichols also made the best of his five saves in overtime, diving to his right to deflect a hard, low drive by junior Lucas Szabo in the 96th minute.
“He’s a big-time player, great shooter. That was the toughest save I had to make,” said Nichols. “To end with a tie, it’s a rough way to end a season. We wish it didn’t have to end that way.”
TJ didn’t have an offensive weapon to match Szabo or a midfielder with the skills and savvy of Marchant. Most of TJ’s chances came off corner kicks, re-sets, and long throw-ins by Jason Koski.
WJ was the aggressor but found it difficult to penetrate the Patriots vaunted defense, led by Rob Scherer, Tyler Hegamayer and Kremers.
“We all want to be the sole champion. But we’re at the finals. Now is not the time to complain about it,” said WJ coach Mike Williams. “I know that it’s a little bittersweet. You go shake hands and appreciate what you’ve got.”
Battle of the Johnsons
» It is the third state title for Walter Johnson. The others came in 1978 and 2000.
» It is the first state title for Thomas Johnson after two losses in the semifinals in the previous five years.
» TJ had 10 shutouts and allowed only nine goals season, including one in the playoffs.
