A second goal in overtime by Nation Ford’s Alec Lindenberg was enough to give the Falcons a 3-2 win over the Mauldin Mavericks in the opening round of the 5A playoffs.
Lindenberg scored the game winner 10:30 into overtime after a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation.
“I loved how we started the game,” said Nation Ford head coach Kenny Halas. “The first and third goals were exactly what we worked on. That was a good team. I am very happy.”
Nation Ford will travel to Byrnes in the second round Wednesday, May 1. The opening round game wasn’t an easy draw for the No. 8 ranked Nation Ford boys’ soccer team as it pitted them against No. 5 ranked Mauldin.
The first several minutes of the game both teams were feeling each other out before Nation Ford scored in the ninth minute with a goal from Lindenberg.
Neither team was able to pull away after the goal as they battled for 50/50 balls and control of possessions.
Mauldin was able to sneak in some shots attempts about midway through the first half, but defensively the Falcons were strong.
Nation Ford offensively got stronger as the first half went on, but wasn’t able to add to their score as they took a slim 1-0 lead to the locker room at the half.
The Falcons started even stronger opening the second half as Griffin Duncan scored in the 48th minute to give Nation Ford a 2-0 lead.
Mauldin was able to cut the Falcons lead in half as they scored five minutes later.
After the goal, Nation Ford switched to a more defensive game plan which allowed them to get more control offensively.
Just as it looked as if the Falcons had the game in hand, a Mauldin goal in the final minute of regulation tied the match sending it to overtime.
Nation Ford is now 17-6-1 on the season.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
