It was a night of redemption for the Carrboro High School soccer team and senior forward Sammy Hickey.
In a rematch of last year's state semifinal, the Carrboro Jaguars defeated the East Duplin Panthers 3-2 in overtime Thursday night at Carrboro high in the NCHSAA 2-A East Region Final and will play in the state championship on Saturday at WakeMed Park in Cary. Hickey proved to be the hero, scoring two goals, the second of which was the game-winner in overtime.
"This is probably the biggest moment of my soccer career;" Hickey said. "This is unbelievable."
At the 8:40 mark in the second overtime period, Hickey received a pass from senior midfielder Connor Roach just inside the 18-yard box, took a touch and ripped it into the lower left corner past East Duplin freshman goalkeeper Jose Borja.
It was a bit surprising, however, that the game even reached overtime.
The Jaguars controlled most of the possession throughout the match and held an overwhelming advantage in shots on goal - 26 to 7 - but failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities.
East Duplin made the most of its few chances and was ahead 1-0 at halftime after senior midfielder Ben Jones' 23rd minute goal.
In the second half, Carrboro came out firing. After being denied by Borja multiple times, the Jaguars finally equalized at the 37:56 mark. Senior midfielder Luis Royo started the play near midfield with a pass to Hickey, who fed Roach down the right side of the field. Roach then knocked the ball into the back of the net.
The tie lasted a mere twelve seconds. On the ensuing kickoff, East Duplin senior forward Javier Murillo caught Carrboro senior goalkeeper Joe Maffly-Kipp out of position to put the Panthers back ahead, 2-1.
Down by one goal, the Jaguars needed someone to step up.
Hickey was happy to oblige.
The senior headed a Roach cross into the side netting to tie the game yet again and sent the home fans into a frenzy.
