Heuman’s goal in 99th minute caps W.C. East comeback over W.C. Rustin
WEST GOSHEN – Jacob Heuman breathed a sigh of relief once the game was over with West Chester Rustin.
As did Baley Federico.
Knowing what the two seniors just helped West Chester East accomplish after four years of frustration was just the beginning.
“It’s huge,’ Federico said. “We haven’t beaten any West Chester team in our four years here. It just feels great to finally beat team and one of the top teams in the state.’
“We know we can win,’ Heuman said. “Every game we have a chance. We have so much heart it’s amazing.’
Heuman scored the game-winning goal off an assist from Federico in the 99th minute as East capped a 3-2 comeback win in double overtime over Rustin in a Ches-Mont game at Harold I. Zimmerman Stadium Thursday night.
In one of the best games of the Ches-Mont boys soccer season, the Vikings (6-2-1 league) survived with a huge win. East sits at the top of the National with 19 points, one point ahead of West Chester Henderson (18) and three ahead of Downingtown East (15).
Rustin (5-3 league) remains at 15 points and sit third in the American behind Unionville and Great Valley.
With Rustin clinging to a 2-1 lead in the 79th minute, East head coach David Flamer made the move of the match. Flamer decided to bring in Jon McKellar off the bench for a throw-in close to the end line.
He also brought in Sean O’Donnell, who would receive the 45-yard throw by McKellar. O’Donnell headed the ball to the back right corner of the net, which tied the game 2-2.
McKellar knew his role the moment he stepped onto the field.
“With under five to play, I knew we had to convert something,’ McKellar said. “In came Sean with me, and his head was what I was aiming for. I knew we had a chance with that.’
“I saw that bit of space at the 6 (yard line), my eyes opened up,’ O’Donnell said. “When you see big meatbone (McKellar) there running the table, I had to take advantage. That perfect throw came and just went off the back of my head into the net. It was the best feeling ever.’
Putting McKellar and O’Donnell in wasn’t the plan, but Flamer decided to make the call anyway.
Turned out to be the right one.
“That was just one of those things we ran over and over in practice,’ Flamer said. “I coached Jon (McKellar) in JV and he’s just one of those weapons. Any time we have one of those opportunites, he’s going to give us something.’
Once the game went to overtime, East controlled possession.
Forcing a defensive breakdown, Federico beat a Rustin defender and dribbled the ball down the left side of the pitch in a 3-on-2. There he set up Heuman’s heroics with a perfect pass in the box for the game-winner.
The Vikings clung to a 1-0 lead for the majority of the game, but two goals from Brett Sherman (64′) and Ryan Fincher (66′) in a three minute span gave the Golden Knights a 2-1 lead late in the second half.
Rustin was a minute away from stealing a win. Instead, East made a statement.
“We worked so hard in preseason for games like this,’ Federico said. “We’re not messing around. We’re the team to beat.’
The game was emotional for Federico and the 18 seniors suiting up in their final season for the Vikings. Federico coulnd’t recall a better game he played in throughout his soccer career.
“Without a doubt, this was the best game I ever played in,’ Federico said. “Winning like this in front of our fans and getting to celebrate in front of them. There’s nothing better than that.’
