The Staley Mustangs played the Griffin Gators in round three of the District Tournament.  This game was to determine the third and fourth place teams in the district.  The Griffin Gators handed the Staley Mustangs their only loss in the regular season.  Griffin beat Staley 3-0 in the first game of the season.  The Gators were a tough team, talented and fast, and Staley was itching for a rematch.  The Mustangs thought they got the jump on the Gators as Travis kicked one passed the goalie as the goalie came out to counter the attack.  The ball, sputtering toward the goal was tapped in by Carl.  However, the ref called off sides, and the game was still scoreless. The Gators were strong and put the first score on the board about midway through the first half.  The Gators scored again about a second before time expired in the first half.  Staley was down 2-0.  

In the second half, Staley once again, buckled down on defense and the offense became more aggressive, the Mustangs controlled the pace of the game and attacked, keeping the ball on the Gator's side of the field.  Halfway through, it finally paid off as, Bryce was tripped up at the ten yard sideline, Austin was given the penalty kick.  Austin boomed it across the field, over the head of the goalie into the net.  The Mustangs were only down by one.  After the Mustangs had some shots on goal, one shot, by Travis, going just wide, the Gators were able to clear the ball.  The ball was passed up from mid field, and the incredibly fast Gator forward, in a dead sprint, outran the Staley defenders and put one passed the keeper.  The Gators were again, up by two with just about eleven minutes left in the game.  

Not to be disheartened, the Mustangs stayed strong and kept fighting.  The Mustangs were intense, and unrelenting.  They were moving the ball up the field with control and great passing, Austin to Trent, Trent to Travis, then Travis dribbled and nailed a shot passed the out stretched arms of the keeper, and into the goal.  Once again the Mustangs were only down by one with just under five minutes to play.  The Mustangs continued the attack, keeping the ball on the Gator's side.  A kick by Austin, had the hearts of the Staley supporters thumping as it headed toward the goal, but it hit the post and bounce back onto the field.  The Gators were playing with the same intensity, as Staley continued the pressure.  As the game clock was winding  down, the Gators were called for pushing.  A last ditch effort on a penalty kick was not to be as the buzzer sounded before the Mustangs had a chance to give the ball a boot.  

Final score Gators 3-Mustangs 2.  A valiant effort by the Mustangs that fell just short.  

Overall, the Mustangs stepped up and faced the pressure by playing three of the very best, complete games they have played all season.   All though two games were not the outcome they wanted, the Mustangs showed up and played strong with solid contributions from all the players in all the matches. The Mustangs played both the number one and number two seeds in the district, one to a tie, the other to a very close, one score loss.  I think given another few minutes the Mustangs would have tied that game.  There were many great moments on both sides of the ball, with great goals, stellar defense and amazing saves in the frame. This Mustang team, which took home fourth place in the district, played with heart and spirit.  They should be very proud of the way they played.  I know that I am super proud of this team.  Thank you to the high school boys who volunteered their time to help these boys.  Congratulations on a awesome tournament and fantastic season.  I can't wait until next year.  Way to go Mustangs!!

P.S.  Special thanks to my better half as he took some photos from the stands in the first half, as I was attending another event.  Thanks!!!