MORGANTOWN — Tuesday night’s boys’ soccer Region I, Section II semifinal between Preston and undefeated University at chilly Mylan Pharmaceuticals Stadium turned out pretty much as expected, a comfortable 9-0 victory for UHS.
But there are times, even during tournament time, when the final score isn’t really the story.
Despite the season-ending defeat, the Knights getting a chance to play at all in 2018 was a gift and, especially for the Rebelo family, a triumph.
Stepping into the head coaching spot after an unexpected late-summer coaching vacancy, Paul Rebelo gave his team a full season of fun and friendship, with the added bonus of watching his son Monty set a new school record with 57 career goals.
“I was a freshman when Tyler Davis set the record,” Monty said, “and I told him then that I was gonna catch him. When I set the record (against North Marion during a 3-2 senior night win), I texted him. He told me he was proud of me.”
Overcoming the frosty, slippery conditions, the Hawks (19-0-1) took control early, penetrating the packed Preston (2-14-0) back line to score 7 first half goals. J.M. Jones netted a hat trick, Mason Shockley pounded in a pair and Matt Gargill picked up a pair of assists. Dependably prolific Joseph Biafora opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful header, and Niklas Rinehard finished it off in the 30th minute by dribbling through a plethora of Knights and burying a low shot past PHS keeper Mauricio Barro, who finished his busy night with eight saves.
Ten more minutes from the UHS starters at the start of the second half produced goals from Biafora and Justin Parsons, and then coach Dustin Talton emptied the bench and called off the dogs the rest of the way.
“We just wanted the guys to stay focused and sharp,” Talton said. “I think they did that. We wanted to keep the ball rolling heading into Thursday, especially against Buckhannon-Upshur. They knocked us out in the sectional final last year and I think that adds even a little more juice to the game for us, a chance for some payback. We’re excited.”
Talton also congratulated Preston for the way they approached a difficult year.
“I always have had Preston on my schedule,” he smiled, “and so I was very happy to see them get out there this year. They showed great effort, great spirit, and we’re very respectful to the game, and that’s a tribute to the kids and the job coach Rebelo turned in.”
For the first-time Knights coach, it was a struggle-filled, yet rewarding year.
“We never quit,” he said. “Always worked hard in practice and in games. We supported each other, and the kids did whatever we asked of them. It’s a steep curve learning to play varsity soccer, especially when you’re young and still learning the game.
“But I know we all had a great time,” he continued, “and we’re all alive and happy and my son is wondering where we’re gonna go to get something to eat, just like he has since he was 8. To have that senior night win, and for Monty to set the record: I’d do it all again in a second. Because in the end, I did this for the kids. I did it for him.”
And that, no matter what the scoreboard and standings show, is a story worth telling.
The Hawks try to avenge last year’s upset loss to the Buccaneers at home at 6 p.m. Thursday
