Titans fall to Reservoir 2-1 in Tournament of Champions

September 4, 2009...  The Titans opened up play in the Tuscarora Tournament of Champions against Reservoir, currently ranked #14 in the Baltimore Sun and considered one of the pre-season favorites to contend for the 3A State Title, returning 10 starters from their 2008 Region Finalist side.

The Gators took control of the game in the opening minutes and struck early off a corner in the 5th minute to take the one goal lead.  The goal woke up the Titans who took control of the game and mounted a relentless attack for the remainder of the game outshooting the Gators 13-7 for the match. 

The Titans consistently found themselves in positions to knot the game but lacked the final touch as they struck the post three times in attempting to find their way back into the game.  Freshmen Aaron Parry beat several Gator defenders in the 15th minute before hitting the underside of the crossbar in an attempt to the even the game.  In the 54th minute the Titans almost took advantage on one of the seven corners won during the match.  Parry's corner found junior Claire Kelly at the far post, but her volley from six yards hit the post.

Against the run of play, the Gators increased their lead in the 64th minute when a clearance from the top of the Gators 18 got behind the Titans defense and Amanda Jackson beat the Titans keeper, Sarah Jo Hayden (1 save), to the ball to increase the lead to 2-0.  The Titans kept trying to find their way back, but were once again stymied by the post when senior Michelle Rock beat three Gator defenders only to find her finishing attempt beat the keeper, but hit the far post.  The Titans finally got it right in the 78th minute when Parry received a ball from freshmen Emily Marshall and beat the Gator keeper from the right flank to bring the Titans back to 2-1.

The Titans continue play in the Tuscarora Tournament of Champions on Saturday at 5:45pm against C. Milton Wright. Click here for more results from the Tournament of Champions.