Playing in its final Kentucky Christian Athletic Association state soccer tournament, Heritage Christian Academy’s bid to repeat as state champions fell just short with a 2-1 loss to AIE in Thursday’s semifinals in Elizabethtown.
Tied at 1-1 after regulation and overtime, AIE beat HCA 4-2 in the penalty kick round.
The teams had played to a 2-2 tie last week and Thursday’s semifinal round was just as even. Shots were even at 8-8. The contest was scoreless at halftime. Both defenses were on point.
Midway through the second half, Emilie Young’s perfectly placed through ball found Angel Diaz who poked it past the AIE goalie for the game’s first goal.
Five minutes later, Luke Pierce scored the equalizer when he rebounded a missed shot in front of the AIE net.
HCA’s best chance at getting the win came with less than two minutes left when its offense pushed up and got a good look, but a shot hit off the left post and overtime followed.
HCA’s season ends with a record 16-6-1 and marks their last in the KCAA. The Warriors will make the full transition to the KHSAA next season and will be a member of the 8th District. KHSAA rules also will mean no more games with KCAA schools. That will be a welcome change for HCA as most KCAA teams refused to make the long drive to Hopkinsville to play the Warriors, limiting their number of home games.
