<b>Yorktown Soccer Makes Regionals</b>
There may not be a better example of why the playoffs exist in sports than this year’s Yorktown boys’ soccer team. Widely expected to be among the area’s best at the beginning of the season thanks to the presence of reigning Northern Region player of the year Alex Herrera, the Patriots started the year slowly with a 1-3-3 record.
But Monday night’s 4-2 victory over Mount Vernon in the quarterfinals of the National District tournament was Yorktown’s fifth win in its last seven games and clinched a berth in next week’s Northern Region tournament, something that seemed unlikely less than a month ago.
“I think from the beginning of the season we knew it was always there,” said coach Dave Wood. “Now that I think about it, the first half of season we were trying to feel guys out and then we had some injuries hit us. Now, it’s starting to click and guys are starting to get healthy.”
Yorktown fell behind 1-0 and 2-1 against the Majors, but came back both times to enter halftime tied up. Then with about 20 minutes remaining in the second half, a Wynton Rose corner kick was headed in by Matt Gordon.
The contest was a win-or-go-home situation for both teams since just the top four teams from the National District qualify for the regional tournament.
“It felt like an elimination game,” said Wood. “We did a very good job in the second half to close the game.”
The Patriots move on to face No. 1 seed Wakefield Wednesday, after the Connection’s deadline. The two teams met back on April 2 with the Warriors winning easily, 5-0.
<b>Yorktown Tennis</b>
The Yorktown High School Boys' Tennis Team closed out the season with an overall team record of 11-3 and earned second place in the National District with a record of 9-3. The team’s final district matches resulted in an 8-1 win over Wakefield and a loss to undefeated J.E.B. Stuart.
Several Patriots were named to the National District Boys’ Tennis All-District Team – In Singles: Matt Karvelas at No. 1, Honorable Mention; Jonathan Ammirati at No. 4; and Aidan Papavizas at No. 5; In Doubles: Ammirati and Sky Leyden at No. 2.
<b>Better Sports Club of Arlington</b>
The Better Sports Club of Arlington will hold its 53rd Annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, May 27 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 5115 Little Falls Road, in Arlington. Guest Speaker is Christine Brennan of USA Today. Awards will be presented to Arlington’s youth athletes, graduating high school student-athletes and coaches. In addition, Bill Finney, Marymount University’s athletic director and women’s basketball coach, will be inducted into the Arlington Sports Hall of Fame. Veteran local sportscaster Ken Mease will be Master of Ceremonies. The banquet begins at 7 p.m. with introductions to the head table; the hospitality suite opens at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35. For information call Jim Walsh at 703-534-3152.