Late on a cold Tuesday evening at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School’s Sheveron Field, Byam Mugushu took a pass from Deng Mawien and, like he had done 34 previous times this fall, scored a goal.
Only this was not like other goals – merely the most important one in the history of the Bishop Grimes boys soccer program.
That tally early in overtime allowed the Cobras to defeat Westmoreland/Oriskany 2-1 and claim the Section III Class C championship – the first-ever sectional title in program history.
Even if Grimes held the no. 9 state ranking, owned a 15-game win streak and was generally favored in this game, it had to rally from a second-half deficit, depending once again on its top scoring threats to pull through.
Much like the Oct. 30 sectional semifinal against Bishop Ludden on this same VVS turf, Ludden played Westmoreland/Oriskany (who had eliminated top seed and defending champion South Lewis) to a scoreless first-half draw.
Instead of concentrating on the wings, the Bulldogs kept its best defenders situated in the middle of the field, mostly to take away the threat of Mugushu and Mawien breaking free for long runs to the net.
And that nearly worked, for three minutes into the second half the Bulldogs claimed a 1-0 lead when Christian Uvino put a shot past Matt Tarby. It was the only goal Tarby allowed as he finished with seven saves.
Trailing for the first time in this post-season, Grimes stepped up its attacks and, near the midway point of the half, got even with Jack Gutchess converting.
From there, the tension built, and with less than two minutes left Westmoreland/Oriskany thought it had won when Jesse Sweet put one in the net – but was ruled that he was offsides just before gaining possession of the ball.
Given that reprieve, the Cobras gladly went into OT, and like so many other times this fall, it was Mawien delivering the crucial pass and Mugushu doing the rest, putting it past Bulldogs goalie Andrew Pysnik.
After some time to celebrate, Grimes went back to work for its first-ever state tournament appearance as it takes on defending state champion Lansing (Section IV) in Saturday’s regional final at Liverpool High School Stadium.
