It was a sentiment that ended up being a common theme among the four winners of Sunday's boys' and girls' South Jersey Soccer Coaches Tournament semifinals:
"I think that's the gutsiest performance we've ever had," said Haddonfield girls' coach Glenn Gess, after his Bulldogs won, 1-0, over Paul VI (9-5-3).
Like most teams still playing this late in the annual tournament, Haddonfield (18-0) is tired; banged-up; and, in some cases, running on fumes late in games.
"For us, it just came down to the will that we have to play for each other," said Lenape sophomore Rachel Ross, who netted two goals as the Indians advanced to the finals with a 3-1 win over Timber Creek. "We have a bond that a lot of teams don't have. We just all want to play for one another and succeed for each other."
Lenape will meet Haddonfield for the Coaches Tournament championship Saturday at 4 p.m. at Eastern.
On the boys' side, Timber Creek (15-2-1) bested Shawnee (12-5), 2-0, and Cherokee (14-0-2) topped Haddon Township (15-2-1), 4-1, in the semifinals - which took place before the girls' games Sunday afternoon at Eastern.
The boys' final is Saturday at 6 p.m. at Eastern.
"Last year, we fell short of the finals," said Cherokee senior Mike Ryan. "So it means a lot to be in this position this year. It makes us feel like our team and our program is making progress."
Ryan netted two goals in less than two minutes early in the second half to all but seal a comfortable win.
On his second goal, Ryan took possession just short of midfield. The senior then out-maneuvered two defenders, who had been all but glued to him, and beat the goalkeeper with a strike to the far post.
"That goal was magic to watch," said Cherokee coach Anthony Gallo. "He just has a gear that not a lot of players have."
Like Ryan, Timber Creek striker Giuseppe DeLuca netted two second-half goals to lead his team to victory over a Shawnee team that came in as one of the hottest teams in the tournament.
The Timber Creek girls' played a solid game, but were ultimately outmatched by Lenape, which has as many offensive weapons as any team in the state.
The Indians are vying for their fifth consecutive Coaches Tournament championship.
