By CHAD MATCHETT
Special to The Leader
Both Cabot and Rogers Heritage had a tough time finding the back of the net in regulation during Friday afternoon’s Class 7A state tournament game.
The Panthers wasted little time however in finishing the game in the first overtime period and taking a 1-0 win.
Cabot’s Michael Eckhart scored barely 30 seconds into overtime after the Panthers quickly got a pass over the top of the defense. Eckhart was able to use his speed to get into good position and bend a shot around the War Eagles’ goalkeeper.
“That was just a good, solid overall team win,” said Cabot coach Clark Bing. “Heritage is a good team and that was a good win.”
Cabot had a chance near the end of the game when a corner kick was almost knocked in with a header, only to be stopped by a diving save.
The Panthers needed a big save of their own to help send the game into overtime. The Eagles had an open shot on goal and a strong kick near the top of the net. Josh Luna stretched high and made a leaping save with just under a minute remaining in regulation.
“I thought we played better and controlled the tempo in the second half,” said Bing. “Still, they were able to break through and take a good shot. That was a great save by Josh.”
Cabot will hope the third time is the charm Saturday when it takes on the Conway Wampus Cats. Conway defeated Cabot 4-1 at Conway and 2-1 at Cabot this season.
“I think we’ve got the jitters out now by playing early and getting this win out of the way,” said Bing. “This will be Conway’s first game of the tournament and third against us this year. Hopefully we can find a way to win this time.”
