Once again, Baltimore Lutheran School stands alone atop of the MIAA C soccer mountain.
The Saints claimed their third title in four seasons with a 2-0 over Key School 2-0 in front of a boisterous crowd at Archbishop Spalding. It’s the fifth soccer title for the Towson school.
With a simple blueprint of heavy pressure on the offensive end, veteran leadership, and a strong performance from goalkeeper David Post, Lutheran (15-1-1 overall) won the rubber match with the Annapolis school. Saints coach David Merritt said Saturday was a coronation.
“We are the most complete team in the MIAA C Conference,” said Merritt in his first season. “Not only did we want to win, we wanted the shutout and make a statement with 10 shutouts this season.”
The first goal came with under four minutes left in the first half, as senior forward Chris Cheelsman kicked the ball into the net off his own rebound. The goal was Cheelsman’s 27th this season.
Throughout the second half, Lutheran managed the possessions and worked the ball down into their end, eager to get the insurance goal.
The Obezags committed a costly penalty in their own end, as a Key (12-6-2) defensemen pushed sophomore George Roros, from behind setting up a free kick for senior John Rattray. Rattray punched the ball in past the Obezags’ goaltender Alex DeMarco.
Rattray, who capped his varsity career with a third championship medal, said unselfishness defines the Saints.
“What makes us good is our team work, we are a family and we come out playing like one,” said Rattray. “We knew we had to play our hardest to win.”
Post came up big in key situations, stopping five shots on net. Post dived all over the goal area, deflecting several shots to keep the Saints’ slim margin intact until Rattray’s penalty score.
“In my opinion David Post is the best goalie in the MIAA C Conference,” said Merritt. “He had some big saves today; he was very clutch. He’s a smart player.”
The Saints dropped a 2-1 decision in the team’s first meeting in Annapolis. Lutheran left little doubt in the last two meetings, shutting out the Obezags.
An emotional Key School coach Brian Boyd lauded his team’s effort this fall.
“It’s tough to lose, we came into the year with hopes of getting this far, I’m amazed at what my guys did this year,” said Boyd, fighting back tears. “I’m incredibly proud with the way we came and fought to the very end.”
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