C. Milton Wright wins first boys crown
Dean scores twice to lead Broadneck girls to title
C. Milton Wright had numerous scoring chances throughout Saturday’s Class 3A state final against Great Mills at Loyola Maryland’s Ridley Athletic Complex. The Mustangs converted on two of them but missed on several others, a big reason the game went to penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie.
In the five-round shootout, goalie Ryan Miller made a crucial save, and Jake Spurlock converted his penalty kick in the last round to give No. 3 C. Milton Wright the school’s first boys soccer state championship as the Mustangs won in penalty kicks, 5-4.
It was the fourth time the Mustangs made the title game.
“We’ve had confidence in this group all year,” C. Milton Wright coach Brian Tully said. “They’ve shown a lot of character. It’s the first [championship] in school history, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Tully said winning the state title was his team’s goal from the start. The team made that clear at their initial meeting before the season.
They made the state championship two years ago but struggled in a 3-0 loss to Oakdale.
“Two years ago when we were here, I think for some guys the moment might have been a little bit too big,” Tully said. “I don’t think any of the guys this year, at any point in the game, felt the moment was too big.”
The Mustangs needed to stay composed as they never led.
Marcus Minich gave Great Mills (15-4) a lead just 8:19 into the game. Brett Lindsey then tied it 3:20 later. The Hornets grabbed the lead a second time when Nolin Bradley scored off a rebound of a Miller save.
C. Milton Wright (15-2-2) tied it on Jayson Butler’s goal with 9:37 left in the first half. Ryan Belfiore lined a shot off the post that bounced to Butler.
“We did have a lot of chances,” Belfiore said. “We should have put some away. That’s reality – you miss some, you make some.”