Boys soccer: Catonsville edges Franklin for county title

Catonsville junior striker Jose Moran became thoroughly frustrated 43 seconds into the second half against Franklin in the Baltimore County championship game Tuesday night when Indians' goalie Dylan Schuman stuffed him on a breakaway.

About 13 minutes later, Moran had a second excellent scoring opportunity and this time he delivered.

Moran scored his team-high 15th goal, drilling the ball to the left post to lift the Comets (10-3) to a 1-0 victory.

"I knew one goal was going to decide everything," Moran said. "Thank God we got a goal and won. I was confident I was going to score on the first play, but the keeper came out quickly and I couldn't put it in. But I scored on the second one."

Franklin (10-5) had an outstanding chance for the equalizer in the final seconds. A Catonsville defender tripped senior midfielder Michael Cronauer in the penalty box so officials awarded him a penalty shot.

But Catonsville junior keeper Kevin Sheppard made a diving save on Cronauer's shot with 15 seconds remaining to preserve the victory.

"Mike did the right thing," Franklin coach Ian Reid said. "He hit it low. He hit it firm. You have to give credit to the keeper. He made a very good save."

Catonsville coach Vic Vega had no problem getting doused with a bucket of ice water after the game. He loved talking about the Comets winning the championship.

"The last five years we have been knocking on the door," said Vega, who is in his seventh year as coach. "We lost like in the last game of the season for the chance to go to the county (championship).

"This is the most determined team I have ever coached," he added. "These kids just work hard."