This year’s MIAC varsity boys’ soccer final was the first ever, yet it was a rematch for the two finalists: in last year’s MCAL finals, the Rockbridge Academy Scots defeated the Greater Grace Eagles 1-0. This year after splitting in the regular season (3-1 GG victory and 3-2 OT Rockbridge victory), Greater Grace came out on top in Friday’s MIAC championship.
The fans packed the bleachers at the new turf field at Ballenger Creek Park in Frederick on Fridaynight. After a hard-fought first half the Scots led 1-0 after James Mackes scored a beautiful goal off an assist from Nifemi Taiwo 15 minutes into the game). Greater Grace’s Emmanuel Pankey answered on a through ball from Zane Turk in the first minute of the second half. With 15 minutes left in the game, Zane Turk scored his 17th goal of the season from 22 yards out to win the game for the Eagles.
The All-Tournament Team included the following Rockbridge players: Andrew Burkhardt (goalie), Jay Wallen, Eben Mitchell and James Mackes. Greater Grace’s players included: Zane Turk, Dan Veader, Ryan Heidenreich, and Nick Plunkett. The Tournament MVP was Greater Grace defender, Alvin Lewis.