Four different players scored for Eastern Tech as the Mavericks defeated Digital Harbor, 4-1, at Latrobe Park on Monday afternoon in a State 2A playoff game.
Trevor Hagy, Zach Egner, Corey Geho and Zach Crowther all tallied for coach Peter Glausemans’ squad in the hard fought contest.
The Rams grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Sisher Bishwokama at 5:43, and Bishwokama’s goal stood up unitl Hagy found the net for the Mavs with five minutes to go in the first half.
The game took an unexpected turn in the second half, when Digital keeper John Giorgakis had to leave the game with the score tied at one, at the 28 minute mark.
Giorgakis, completely focused on the ball while making a lunging save to his left, opened a gash on his forehead when he collided with the goal post, head first. It was a scary moment, but fortunately he did return to the game after being spelled briefly by Anmark Hussin.
As soon as Giorgakis left the field, the his teammates took the ball right down the field and nearly grabbed the lead, but Mav keeper Matt Wright responded with a great stop. Eastern Tech coach Peter Giaudemans said Wright’s save was the difference in the game, as it motivated his team.
On ET’s next possession, Giorgakis made an unexpected return to action, and Egner got one over his head to give the Mavs the lead.
“Right after the keeper (Giorgakis) hit his head, coach told us to play hard because their spirit was going to be sky high, so we just came at them,” said Wright, who finished with eight saves in the contest. “They brought it to us, and we battled back and forth.”
Geho praised Giorgakis.
“He has great self-esteem, and he is definitely a leader for that team,” said Geho, who got an insurance goal for ET with 13 minutes left to play.
Giorgakis made 12 saves for the Rams, many on the spectacular side.
“I’m proud of my team,” said Giorgakis, who surprised everyone with his gallant return to action. “We made a few mistakes and it cost us the game.”
