MECHANICSBURG- Central Dauphin’s goalie was put under unimagineable pressure on Saturday afternoon that turned into evening, in the District 3 championship for the boys soccer, 4A bracket. The games at Cumberland Valley’s Eagle View stadium were scheduled for 3 PM and 5 PM, but the boys game, after full time, 2 overtimes and and a round of PK’s pushed back the girls start all the way to 6:15 PM, that’s how long it took for a District 3 champion to be crowned, but ultimately, Central Dauphin came out on top, and lifted their second straight District title.
“It started with pressure from when we conceded in the second half. … I have full trust in everyone stepping up to take (a Penalty Kick). Even if they miss it, I trust them to make the next 50.”, Central Dauphin goalie and now three time District champion, Carter Fitzgerald said postgame.
But there wasn’t much missing in the round of penalty kicks for Central Dauphin. The Rams made 4 out of their 5, after missing the first. Ironically, Hempfield went down after a few missed shots on Fitzgerald, even though their original goal was from a Penalty Kick.
Pressure in the District Championship is not unfamiliar to the Rams from Central Dauphin. Last year, the Rams went toe to toe with Dallastown in the final at Hersheypark stadium, down 1-0 in the second half, then they forced an overtime that resulted in a Central Dauphin win.
When the Rams went to overtime, it wasn’t just folks sitting in the stands that were reminded of last year’s excitement, it was players on the field too. “I said to our centerback Kyle (Hoyt) after we went to overtime. I was like, I’m getting flashbacks. This reminds me so much of last year, and we got the same result and it’s a great day!”, Fitzgerald said postgame.
The Rams will go on to the state tournament, but tonight, it’s all about soaking in another District championship. For seniors like Kyle Hoyt and Carter Fitzgerald (plus more), it’s the third 1st place medal in their careers.
“It feels amazing, so proud of everyone. So happy.”
Hempfield will also go on to the state tournament, as 4 teams for the 4A bracket advance past Districts. State tournament brackets will be released on the PIAA Website at the conclusion of each District tournament.
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