Athens secured a decisive 3-1 victory against Troy in the Division 1 regional championship held on March 14, 2024. The match showcased a mix of skill and determination as Athens withstood a spirited comeback attempt from the Colts. This win propels the Red Hawks into the Final Four, marking a significant milestone in their season.
A Second Half Surge
For much of the second half, Athens maintained a two-goal lead. However, the Colts began to rally when freshman Connor Hotts scored from a free kick with just under eight minutes remaining. This marked Hotts’ third goal of the regional tournament, bringing Troy within striking distance at 2-1.
In a thrilling conclusion, Troy pressed for an equalizer, resulting in a series of frantic plays that culminated in a free kick. A powerful shot from the Colts struck the crossbar, narrowly missing a second goal. As the clock wound down, Athens countered effectively, allowing Costa Ameli to unleash a long-range shot from over 35 yards, sealing the match with only 32 seconds left on the clock.
Ameli described the moment, saying, “I took two or three touches, saw the keeper out of his goal, and I just smacked it. It was amazing.”
Coaches Assess the Game
Troy’s head coach, Adam Spinks, reflected on the match, believing his team had the upper hand in chances. “I think we had the better chances in the game. The ball doesn’t want to go in the net, hits the crossbar, and their goalie made some good saves,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed by observers, who noted Troy’s persistent pressure and missed opportunities.
Despite the loss, the Colts had moments of brilliance. Junior Kevin Garay set up Hotts early in the second half, but Troy was ultimately thwarted by a solid defensive performance from Athens. The Red Hawks’ goalkeeper, Abdullah Badawi, made crucial saves, including an athletic denial of a low free kick from Troy’s star midfielder, Austin Su.
Athens’ third goal, scored by senior Daniel Kadiu, showcased his exceptional skill. Kadiu curled a shot from the left side into the far corner, providing the Red Hawks with critical insurance. Coach Kevin McConnell praised Kadiu’s effort, calling it a “world-class finish.”
Looking Ahead
With this win, Athens (14-3-4) looks forward to the semifinals against Ann Arbor Huron, who previously defeated them earlier in the season. McConnell expressed excitement about returning to Troy High School for the semifinal, a venue where they won a state title in 2019. “We’ve got a tough one. Huron beat us here, and their ranking is well-deserved,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Troy (13-4-1) will reflect on a season filled with challenges and memories. Coach Spinks emphasized the importance of their journey, stating, “I’m really proud, and happy for the seniors. We won a district trophy, and we created some really good memories.”
The Colts have faced tough competition, having been eliminated by the eventual Division 1 champions for three consecutive seasons. The upcoming semifinal promises to be a thrilling encounter as Athens aims to continue their successful run.
