FINDLAY — The greatest season in Mansfield Senior boys’ soccer history came to an end Wednesday night, but the Tygers have something special cooking.
Maumee scored three first-half goals, then held on for dear life in a 4-2 win over Mansfield Senior in a Division III regional semifinal game at Findlay’s Elmer Graham Stadium.
Senior High (12-5-2) was making its first-ever appearance in the Sweet 16. The stage wasn’t too big for the scrappy Tygers, who trailed 3-0 at halftime but got back into the match in the second half.
“Going down 3-0 at half, it was definitely a big deficit to come back from,” coach Kris Stentz said. “They came out in the second half and we were fighting hard to get back in it.”
Unlucky
The match could have easily been tied 3-3 at the half. Mansfield Senior rattled three shots off the post in the opening 40 minutes.
“I tell the boys sometimes it goes our way and sometimes it doesn’t,” Stentz said. “These guys can’t say we didn’t have opportunities.
“It’s just unfortunate that one or two of those didn’t find the back of the net.”
The Tygers got on the board midway through the second half. Junior midfielder Cy Henry scored on a free kick to make it 3-1.
Maumee (17-1-2) made it 4-1 with 5:04 to play, but Henry struck again just moments later to make it 4-2.
Historic Season
Mansfield Senior won a district title for the first time in program history this fall. The 12 wins were the most ever in a season.
“I will remember the bond this team shared,” Stentz said. “What I take away from every season is seeing the hard work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears that these guys put in and it ends up building great relationships.
“Hopefully … people see that Mansfield Senior boys soccer can compete at a high level.”