Athens Triumphs Over Troy 3-1 in D1 Regional Championship

Athens secured a place in the Final Four with a 3-1 victory over rival Troy in the D1 regional championship held on March 14, 2024. The match showcased both resilience and skill, as Athens withstood a late comeback effort from the Colts, ultimately sealing the win in the final moments of regulation.

Critical Moments Define the Match

Athens established an early lead, which they maintained for most of the second half. The Colts narrowed the gap with a goal by freshman Connor Hotts, who capitalized on a free kick awarded after a yellow card, bringing the score to 2-1 with just under eight minutes remaining. This marked Hotts’ third goal in the regional series.

Despite the momentum shift, Athens countered effectively. In the dying seconds, junior forward Costa Ameli delivered a remarkable shot from over 35 yards that crossed the unguarded goal line, officially securing the Red Hawks’ spot in the semifinals with just 32 seconds left.

“I took two or three touches, saw the keeper out of his goal, and I just smacked it. I pinged it. It was amazing,” Ameli said.

Troy’s Near Misses and Strategic Play

For Troy, the match ended in heartbreak, with head coach Adam Spinks reflecting on a crucial sequence that ultimately defined their season. “I think we had the better chances in the game,” he remarked, noting that a shot hitting the crossbar and several key saves from Athens goalkeeper Abdullah Badawi thwarted their efforts.

Throughout the match, Troy demonstrated their attacking prowess, with senior midfielder Austin Su attempting a free kick that required a spectacular parry from Badawi, keeping the scoreline intact. Despite their efforts, it was Athens who capitalized on their chances more effectively, with senior Daniel Kadiu scoring a second goal that showcased his talent and solidified Athens’ lead.

“That goal in the second half, that’s a world-class finish,” said Athens head coach Kevin McConnell. Kadiu described his approach, stating, “I had the far corner in mind. I just executed it into the side netting.”

Looking Ahead

The Colts, finishing the season with a record of 13-4-1, faced elimination by the eventual D1 champions for the third consecutive year. Spinks expressed pride in his team’s performance and the memories created throughout the season, highlighting their achievement in winning a district trophy.

Next, Athens (14-3-4) will face Ann Arbor Huron in the semifinals, a team they previously lost to 2-1 earlier in the season. McConnell expressed optimism about the upcoming match, noting the significance of playing on familiar ground. “Athens won a semifinal on Troy High’s field in 2019 when it won a state title, so I’m excited to be back,” he commented.

In other regional news, Clarkston defeated Detroit Catholic Central 1-0 and will also compete in the semifinals next Wednesday against Portage Central. The intensity and excitement of the tournament continue to build as teams vie for the championship title.