MEN'S SOCCER WINS REGION XX CHAMPIONSHIP

Saturday, November 8 - As the men's soccer team practiced through the changing seasons, beginning in the searing heat of August, through the temperate days of September and October, to the bitter cold days of November, their goal remained constant: to win the championship.  That goal was realized today as the Hawks defeated Catonsville 2-1 to win the Region XX Soccer Championship.

    To reach the championship game, CSM  defeated Hagerstown 3-1in a first round play-off game.  The Hawks advanced to meet defending Region XX Champion Essex, a team that had defeated CSM in the opening game of the season.  Unfazed by facing Essex on their home field, the Hawks dominated the first 20 minutes of play, only to have the game called because of heavy thunderstorms.  When play resumed the following day, the Hawks picked up where they left off, and sent the defending champions home with a convincing 3-1 victory.

    CSM advanced to the championship game, to face yet another team that had defeated them in the regular season, Catonsville.  Again the Hawks started strong and dominated play, but were unable to score, as the half ended in a 0-0 tie.  Robby Day had the best scoring chance, as his shot just missed, hitting the crossbar.

    The Hawks pressure paid off, as CSM scored just seven minutes into the second half, when Scott Raley scored off a header from Brandon Catena.  The Hawks continued to dominate play, and out shot Catonsville 15-6 for the game.   CSM took a 2-0 lead when Scott Raley scored again, on a rebound off Shawn Dixon's shot with just over 10:00 left in the game.

    "I was in the right place at the right time" said Raley.

    With their backs against the wall, Catonsville rallied, as Jason Engles scored for the Cardinals with 10:00 left to cut the margin to 2-1.  Catonsville made a furious charge the last ten minutes in an attempt to get the equalizer, but the defense, anchored by goalie Austin Flowers was able to keep them at bay.

    "It was good to come in as fourth seed", said Scott Raley, "We were the underdogs, with both teams having beaten us.  We've won seven straight now, and want to keep it going."

    Head Coach Tony Galeano was pleased with the performance of his team.

    "This is the first time we've gone this far since 1996.  We're happy to be back on the map in my second year as coach.  We've been up and down, but we're peaking at the right time!"

    Brandon Catena, Shawn Dixon, Scott Raley, Austin Flowers, and Colin Herriot were named to the All Tournament Team.