Milford Beats Indian River In second overtime, 2-1

Milford edged Indian River in an overtime soccer match Thursday

Senior Manny Joseph’s goal late in the second overtime led Milford Soccer team to a 2-1 victory over a formidable Indian River team in a game with huge playoff implications.

Joseph sidestepped the keeper, finding twine with just five minutes remaining in the game

“I had the opportunity, and once I saw him make his move, I made mine and was able to score,” Joseph said.

The game lived up to expectations that it would be close and both teams had many chances to score. But the goalkeeping — senior Kai Kelley for Indian River with 10 saves and senior Fernando Flores for Milford with nine — prevented this from being a high scoring match w.

None was more important than the reaching tip on a well-placed Indian River shot during the final minutes of regulation to keep the game even at 1-1

“Fernando has been big for us all season, and that save was spectacular in a big spot. You also have to tip your hat to Kelley. He is an awesome keeper who had a great game.” Milford coach Prince Kemmerlin stated.

Milford got on the board first, as junior James Sollie opened the score at the 51-minute mark. The shot was a rocket from 35 yards out that hit off the bottom of the brace before settling into the visitors’ goal

“I had a lot of space so I was able to line it up and let it fly. It was a chance worth taking.” Sollie said.

The joy for Milford would be short-lived, as just five minutes later, the Indian River pressure would pay off. With chaos in the Milford box, a shot that deflected off Milford junior Joshua Masten got past Flores to equalize, sending the match into OT.

“When you play as a defender, it is something that will eventually happen. It wasn’t that it happened; it was how Josh responded. He didn’t hang his head and played very solid after that. That is called character,” Kemmerlin said.

The victory put Milford’s record at 8-5 as they seek a tournament spot. With just two games remaining, Milford needs to win both to ensure they make the tournament. It won’t be easy, however, as they travel Tuesday to Caesar Rodney, who sits at 9-1-2, before closing out the season on Senior Night at home this Thursday against Polytech, with a 5:30 start

“We are basically in playoff mode from here on out. Every game is important, and there is very little margin for error,” Kemmerlin said. “I believe that we will bring our best and do all that we can.”