Coming off a win in penalties on Monday against Cape Henry Collegiate, everyone was likely expecting a less intense game on Wednesday against Potomac.  However, that is the opposite of what we got.  The third-seeded Saints traveled to City Stadium to take on the second-seeded Potomac Panthers, and the match was another classic won in PKs by StC.

Early on, the Saints did a good job at countering Potomac's conservative play.  They controlled possession and field position, but were unable to convert any of the few chances they did create.  Their defense was very strong, as they did not allow any shots on goal.

In the second half, Potomac came out much more aggressive.  They controlled much more of the ball and created some chances in the first 20 minutes of the half, but nothing truly materialized until the 63rd minute.  A cross from near the right corner got over the keeper and center backs and fell right to a Potomac player who tapped it in, giving them a 1-0 lead.  After conceding, the Saints attack found a new gear.  They came within inches of scoring multiple times in the next few minutes, including a shot that banged off the post.  Just four minutes after falling behind, Charlie Hudson '24 scored off a corner, giving the Saints new life. 

Nothing notable happened in the next thirteen minutes, so the Saints once again went into extra time.  Neither team had many threatening shots, although Potomac did have a free kick from a favorable position with less than a minute until the end of extra time, Ben Smith '25 came up with a very impressive collection on a very dangerous cross.  Matt Sovich '24 and Campbell Stalker '24 both sent up prayers from well out of the box as time winded down, but as neither of them could convert, the Saints faced spot kicks for the second match in a row.

Through the first three attempts for each side, all three takers scored.  For the Saints, it was Jack Bleecher '25, Stalker, and Grayson DiCosmo '24.  Beckett Schofield '24 nailed the fourth for the Saints, and then Ben Smith came up with another crucial penalty save.  Once again, Steven Bishara '25 was sent up to the spot with a chance to win it, and once again he converted, sending the Saints to a second consecutive state championship.

On Friday, November 10, the Saints will look to repeat as state champions as they will take on top-seeded Collegiate at 7:30 pm at City Stadium.