Both teams made their first four penalty kicks, but after Ocean City missed its fifth, Timber Creek senior sweeper Mike DeFeo calmly sent a shot into the upper right corner of the net. That set off a celebration for a school that just won its first sectional title.
Fittingly, DeFeo, who plays a position that usually gets noticed only when the defense is burned, was shining in the spotlight.
On a Timber Creek team that is 18-2-3 and will face Princeton in Tuesday's state Group 3 semifinals, DeFeo isn't usually a headliner but a vital part nevertheless as a second-team all-conference performer.
What was said most about DeFeo was that he wanted to be in this situation with the outcome on his shoulders, or more accurately, his right foot.
So he claimed that there was no extra pressure and that he had only one thought as he prepared for the dramatic penalty kick.
"I was thinking I am going to bring it home for my team," he said.
Here was more of his thought process: "I am a senior, it's my last year, and I have to win it for us," he said.
Simple as that, and then he went out and won it for them.
Of course, while the winners advance and are saluted, what should be said of Ocean City? The Red Raiders had taken a two-year hiatus from being a perennial Group 3 contender, a program with 12 sectional-final appearances and eight titles since 1995. When Ocean City began this season 2-3, it looked as if recent history would continue.
Ocean City, though, hasn't lost since, including this game, which technically counts as a tie. So the Red Raiders finish 17-3-2 and with their pride intact.
"I am more proud of this team than any other group," Ocean City coach Aaron Bogushefsky said. "There is no shame in this loss."
Then he caught himself:
"This wasn't a loss, either."
No it wasn't.
