The inaugural Hoover soccer tournament ended in thrilling fashion, with the team wearing black shirts prevailing, 4-2, in a shootout Friday at lunch after regulation ended at one goal apiece.

During the first half, no goals were scored, however both teams were able to create equal chances. The goalkeepers from both sides were able to do good work of keeping the ball out of the net. 

The second half started off with a great goal from Narek Papazyan from 35 yards out with 12 minutes remaining. He saw the opportunity to cross the ball into the box which he took. He ended up a bit off but fortunately he shot it directly toward the goal while the goalie was out. 

“I saw the goalie outside his box and shot the ball even though I meant to cross,” Papazyan said.

The game stayed the same for most of the second half. Both teams equally created chances like the first half. However, in stoppage time, Noro Arzumanyan scored equalizing the game in extra time taking the match to penalties. 

The shootout started and everyone was nervous. Both teams were able to finish their first shots and the black jersey team was able to score their second.

On the white jersey team’s second shot, Davit Sakaryan the goalie for the black jersey team was able to save the white jersey team’s shot by correctly diving to the left leaving the score at 2-1 going into the third set of penalties. 

Both teams traded goals again but the black jersey team manages to score their 4th penalty as well. 

The score was 4-2 on the black jersey team’s 4th penalty, meaning if they miss this, they lose. One of their players steps up to the penalty and shoots the other direction of the goalkeeper. Unfortunately the ball hits the post leaving the score 4-2 in penalties. 

Sakaryan was asked about how he felt during the penalties. He said, “I was able to stay calm throughout the penalties.” He said, “You have to look into the players eyes because that’s where they are going to shoot, but they do try to play mind games. 

Overall a great game for both teams. Ended up being a very clean game with no fouls given to either side and both sides showed good sportsmanship throughout the match.