Tigers, Bulldogs can't settle bragging rights

The area's top two boys soccer teams hooked up for the first time Tuesday when Central hosted Notre Dame.

The game lived up to its anticipation, with both teams coming up with strong offensive chances, big saves and plenty of physical play.

But after the teams battled to a 1-1 tie Tuesday, they will have to wait until the Oct. 19 meeting at Notre Dame to determine bragging rights.

"I thought both teams played well, created some good stuff and played with a lot of energy," Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn said. "Our keeper made a lot of good saves. Their keeper made a lot of good saves. I don't know what more you could ask for except a winner."

The game was nearly decided twice in the second overtime, with both teams having prime chances to score.

Lance Altenthal was robbed on a low shot by Notre Dame keeper Nathan Kolda early in the overtime after a Central corner kick, while Cetnral's Jordan Young made a dazzling save on a Bulldogs deflection just before the game ended.

"Both teams had chances to win and chances to lose," Central coach Tom Doyle said. "Obviously we held on a little bit. We had the corner and had three chances to score, and their last one was dangerous."

Tyson Whiteside scored the lone goal for Central (17-2-1) about midway through the first half. Whiteside pounced on a rebound off an Altenthal shot.

Notre Dame's best chance in the opening half came on a long shot by Jack Wedemeier. Wedemeier hit a low shot which clanged off the right goal post.

Central, ranked No. 6 in the latest Class 3 state poll, remained in command of the game until the final 3 minutes of regulation.

Notre Dame's Jacob Wengert took the ball from his central defender spot and dribbled nearly the length of the field before getting the ball to Abe Dirnberger. Dirnberger was able to deflect the ball to Frankie Ellis, who deposited it in the net to tie the score with just 2:31 remaining.

"The goal we got, Jacob Wengert was playing in the center back and picked up the ball and carried it through traffic," Wittenborn said. "You could see on his face in that run we weren't going down tonight."

Notre Dame, 13-2-3 and ranked No. 5 in the Class 2 poll, had two more chances to put the game away in regulation but missed on two shots with an open net.

"No one has to hang their heads on this one," Doyle said.

JV -- Notre Dame won 2-1.