Nolan Catholic boys capture TAPPS soccer title in overtime

By Steven Thomson

Special to the Star-Telegram

HOUSTON — As could be expected in a game matching two intense Metroplex rivals, there was nothing easy about Nolan Catholic’s 2-1 overtime win against Dallas Bishop Lynch in Saturday’s TAPPS Division I boys championship game at Awty International School.

Nothing was decided in the first 80 minutes, with the Vikings scoring in the first half and Bishop Lynch equalizing in the second half.

The momentum-shifting event came nine minutes into the first overtime, when Friars defender Sebastian Gajardo was given a red card moments after drawing a yellow.

That left Bishop Lynch to play a man down, which Nolan (16-4-1) was quick to take advantage of.

Just 22 seconds had elapsed in the second overtime when Keagan Angevin took a short pass from Barton Holdridge in front of the goal and slammed in the winning score.

Vikings coach Adam Clementson couldn’t think of a more deserving player to seal the team’s third straight state crown.

“[Angevin] has been outstanding all year — one of the hardest working players we’ve ever had,” Clementson said. “It’s going to be a shame to lose him, but he’s set a great legacy for boys to follow.”

Holdridge helped set up the first Nolan goal, sliding a pass over to Grant Muehlstein for a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

Bishop Lynch (14-5-3) tied the game in the 60th minute on a header by Ryan Plugge.

One goal decided all three games between the Vikings and Friars this season, which typifies the intense rivalry between by the two schools. The boys’ soccer title is Nolan’s 10th since the school opened in 1961.

“This is the first time we’ve ever beat Lynch in the state title game,” Clementson said. “That’s saying something. All credit goes to our boys.”

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