In a thrilling contest held on March 14, 2024, Athens High School triumphed over rivals Troy, securing a place in the D1 soccer Final Four with a 3-1 victory in the regional championship. The match showcased a blend of resilience and a touch of fortune as the Red Hawks held off a spirited comeback from the Colts.
Troy began the second half trailing by two goals, but a free kick opportunity allowed freshman Connor Hotts to narrow the deficit with a goal at the 7:44 mark of the regulation time. This was Hotts’ third goal of the regional series, igniting hopes for the Colts. Troy’s efforts intensified in the closing minutes, culminating in a near miss when a powerful shot struck the crossbar during a frantic scramble for a second goal.
Athens responded decisively, as junior forward Costa Ameli sealed the game with a remarkable shot from over 35 yards out, finding the back of the net with just 32 seconds left on the clock. Ameli described the moment: “I took two or three touches, saw the keeper out of his goal, and I was like, ‘time’s running down,’ and I just smacked it. I pinged it. It was amazing.”
Troy’s head coach, Adam Spinks, expressed disappointment but acknowledged his team’s efforts. “I think we had the better chances in the game. If you look at the top-four chances, they were for us,” he stated. The Colts, despite their offensive prowess, were unable to convert their opportunities into goals, illustrating the often unpredictable nature of soccer.
The match began with Athens’ senior Daniel Kadiu making his mark early by converting a penalty kick, awarded after a foul in the box, at the 9:46 mark of the first half. Kadiu later added a second goal, displaying his skill by curling a shot into the far corner, which coach Kevin McConnell described as “a world-class finish.” Kadiu’s performance was crucial, contributing significantly to Athens’ success.
As the game progressed, Troy’s efforts to capitalize on their chances were met with significant defensive work from Athens. The Red Hawks managed to limit Troy’s attack, which had previously been prolific throughout the season. “They were very good, and we knew that. But our guys were prepared for what they were going to bring to us,” McConnell remarked.
Troy had entered the match with high expectations, having been ranked among the top contenders in the region. Their elimination came as a disappointment, especially given their recent success and strong performance in the district championship. Spinks reflected on the season, saying, “I’m proud that we left it all on the field. We went for it, got one back, then the soccer gods weren’t with us.”
Athens, now boasting a record of 14 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, will face Ann Arbor Huron in the semifinals. Huron previously defeated Athens in September, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch. “Huron beat us here, and their ranking is well-deserved. We’ve got to beat another one, and we’ll be ready,” McConnell stated confidently.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will reflect on their journeys, with Troy left to ponder what could have been. They have faced the eventual champions in the past three seasons, a trend that continues to shape their narrative in the competitive world of high school soccer.
