EAGLES ARE SOARING AGAIN

Minus star player, Chris Agorsor, McDonogh still won a rematch of last year’s MIAA A Conference title game, 2-1, over defending champ Archbishop Curley.

by Joe DiBlasi

McDonogh received a penalty kick goal from Andrew Bulls, and another goal from Jeremy Kirkwod for a two-goal halftime lead in an eventual, 2-1, victory over defending MIAA A Conference champ Archbishop Curley in a rematch of last year’s title game.

The Eagles (11-1-2 overall, 5-1 league) continue to play without star midfielder Chris Agorsor, who is out with a hip injury.

“This was a really big win for us, because with Chris out, we’ve been trying to re-group,” said McDonogh coach Steve Nichols.

“This win, over an excellent Curley team, helps us to get within striking distance of first place,” said Nichols, whose Eagles trail leader Calvert Hall (8-4, 7-1) in the standings. “It’s important to finish high; the first and second seeds get a first round play-off bye”.

The Friars (12-2, 5-2) got a penalty kick from sophomore Bash Kamara 25 minutes into the second half, but the Eagles’ defense was up to the challenge, thanks to the play of defender Jake Levin and goal keeper Tommy Caso.

“We’ve been learning to play without our best player, and this was our best game so far without him,” said Levin.

“Ever since losing last year’ championship game to Curley, we’ve had this date circled on our calendars,” Levin added “They are really good, and both teams played very hard today. We were fortunate to come out on top.”

McDonogh was coming off of a tie against Loyola, and a 3-0 victory over a Gilman team that had just handed Calvert Hall its lone league loss, 1-0.

“After the tie at Loyola, we got a big win over Gilman, and they had just defeated Calvert Hall,” Nichols said. “Jake Levin has stepped up in Chris’ absence, and he provided great leadership today.”