On Sunday, March 31, MTA and Ramaz clashed in a soccer match that would shape the central division for the rest of the year. Both teams realized that in such a tightly contested division, the stakes were sky high, and they did not disappoint. For MTA, it was a statement game, trying to prove that they could carry on the momentum from last year’s division championship. It started off with an unconventional goal, which set the tone for what turned out to be a bizarre game. Mendel Hein took a deep shot, which bounced off the ceiling and fell into the goal. This influenced MTA, as team captain Hudy Weiss took over and led his squad to a 5-2 lead at the end of the first, contributing two goals along with Kovi Pahmer.
MTA didn’t let up, fighting tooth and nail in the first half. Whenever they were faced with adversity, MTA responded with dominance. A blatant example of this was when the Rams scored to make it 8-4 late in the fourth, and Weiss scored on the ensuing kickoff. MTA went into the locker room looking to score two goals and mercy a helpless Ramaz squad. The Lions came out with a mission, and thanks to goals from promising junior teammates Seltzer, Hein and Pahmer, they were up 12-5 nearing the end of the third. The clock read 30 seconds and the Lions bench began to sing and chant, as mercy seemed inevitable. Just as the game was all but over, Ramaz delivered a wakeup call by scoring with 17 seconds left, forcing a fourth quarter. Shocked, but not defeated, MTA went out in the fourth quarter needing just one goal to end it. What happened next will remain memorable for the rest of the season. Ramaz went on a six goal streak, one of which just as time expired. If not for a late goal from Weiss, Ramaz would have forced the game into overtime. MTA hung on in a game that they nearly let slip through their fingers with a 13-12 victory. The Rams are counting the days until MTA comes to visit, but the Lions have a chip on their shoulder after this thriller and are not afraid to finish them off in what is sure to be an enticing rematch later in the season.
By Andrew Jacobson (‘20)
