This fall, the stage was set for a similar split. St. Albans was far and away the best IAC team in the regular season — the Bulldogs went undefeated, including two wins over Landon. But the Bears, finding their stride late in the season, surged into the tournament championship.
In Thursday’s final at St. Albans, the Bulldogs bucked a bothersome trend and took all the hardware all for themselves with a 1-0 victory over the Bears.
“The focus was the past today,” St. Albans senior defender Jack Sabel said. “The last two years were tough. We were looking for a revenge game.”
It was Sabel’s co-captain, senior midfielder Charlie Irwin, who came up with a goal in the 25th minute that was the difference. The senior, a four-year varsity player, darted into the box hoping for a cross. He was clipped by his defender and went stumbling forward, but kept his balance enough to receive the ball and tap it past the keeper. It may not have earned any style points, but it was enough to give the Bulldogs a lead.
“I wasn’t expecting to see the ball right there, I was expecting to get hit again,” Irwin said. “Just to see that shot go in felt amazing.”
The Bulldogs, who conceded just five goals in conference play, looked confident and capable protecting the lead. Last season, after the Bears earned a 3-1 win, they talked about finding a different approach for the championship game. This year, St. Albans (14-1-2) was prepared for a change and handled it well when Landon (9-7-1) came out in a new formation.
“Every year it seems we’re successful against them in the regular season and then they come out like a completely different team in the final and surprise us,” Sabel said. “We prepared for that this year, and it worked out.”
There were still some harrowing moments for the Bulldogs in the second half. Sophomore goalkeeper William Eastright had to come up with three major saves, two of which came in the same hectic sequence with 30 minutes remaining.
“There have been games where [Eastright] hasn’t had much to do this season. So the message to him all year has been, ‘When the time comes, make the save,’” Bulldogs Coach Brian Schultz said. “Credit to him for keeping his head level and responding today.”