Key School soccer coach Brian Boyd told his team one thing back on the first day of practice back in August.
“You have a game on Nov. 6,” said Boyd. “Fly your grandparents in, fly everyone in.”
The Obezags met Boyd’s challenge Thursday evening. Key School defeated Mount Carmel, 2-0, in a MIAA C Conference semifinal at Annapolis.
Freshman forward Kyle Feldman had a goal and assist for Key (12-5-2 overall) and senior goalie Alex DeMarco stopped 11 shots in goal. Taylor Magnus added a goal and Zach Chmael provided an assist.
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Archbishop Spalding, Key will take on Baltimore Lutheran for the league crown. The Saints top Saints Peter & Paul, 2-0, in the other semifinal match Thursday.
With Thursday’s rain making Key’s field unplayable, the game was moved to the turf field at nearby Annapolis. The Obezags took advantage of the huge surroundings, scoring twice in the opening 40 minutes.
“We played one of the best 40 minute first halves we’ve ever had,” said Magnus.
After a loss to Baltimore Lutheran a couple of weeks ago, Boyd said the Obezags were struggling to find the net. Key was able to score off two set pieces.
The second half belonged to DeMarco, who put together arguably his best varsity performance. Late in the second half, DeMarco saw a shot hit inside the cross bar and caromed down to the turf. DeMarco gathered in the ball, keeping the Cougars (17-5-3) scoreless.
“This is the first time he played like a big-time goalkeeper,” said Boyd. “He hasn’t had a lot of action, but he was unbelievable.”
“There’s been times where there’s been a nice shot off a corner, and I don’t even want to go get it,” said DeMarco. “That last shot, I pinned up it against the cross bar and I thought it was in.”
Mount Carmel coach Andrew Ganzermiller saw his team fall short in the rubber match Thursday evening. He thought the move to the turf ended up playing to Key’s advantage.
“They played well and they played fast,” said Ganzermiller, whose team handed Key its first conference loss last month at home. “We played bad for 20 minutes and they capitalized on two pieces at the net.”
For the third and final time this season, Key will match up with Baltimore Lutheran (14-1-1). The Obezags handed the Saints their only loss, 2-1, in Annapolis before Lutheran posted a 2-0 decision a couple of weeks ago.
“They’re [Lutheran] a great squad,” said DeMarco. “I think we need to rest up and keep having fun.”
“It’s big,” said Boyd. “These guys worked so hard. It’s a special feeling to be part of this game because the league is really competitive.”
