That’s Soccer.

Those words seemed to be the overwhelming theme Wednesday night in the IHSAA Valparaiso Soccer Sectional at Thomas Jefferson.

The host Vikings got a goal from Steven Gerry with just 35 seconds left to play to beat Chesterton 1-0. Valparaiso will face Portage, a 10-0 winner over Hobart, Saturday at 5 p.m. for the Sectional title.

“I feel for the kids because they worked hard and put themselves in a position to win against a really good team,” Chesterton coach Jamie Sensibaugh said. “I’m not sure they deserved that finish.”

After a throw-in by the Vikings, Gerry fired a shot from 40 yards out that found the upper 90 of the goal just inside the near post over the outstretched arms of CHS’ goalkeeper Caleb Gmyrek.

“30 seconds left on a shot from a kid that probably hasn’t scored all year,” Sensibaugh said. “It seemed to catch Caleb off guard for a second, but that’s just unlucky for us.”

The Trojans had several chances in the first half to score a goal, but just couldn’t finish.

“I thought we had some headers right in front of the goal that we didn’t get on frame,” Sensibaugh said. “They make a great save and we trap a ball ourselves that had a chance to go in. We had some chances and unfortunately we didn’t capitalize on any of them.

“I’m not going to take anything away from our kids and how hard they worked here tonight.”

The Trojans pushed hard late to try and get a goal, but a save stopped a golden opportunity near the far post.

“We pushed numbers up with about 10 minutes left and brought an extra striker up,” Sensibaugh said. “We were trying to steal one and keep it from getting to overtime.”

It was the final match in the career’s of 16 Chesterton seniors.

“These seniors have worked hard their entire careers and did all the little things we asked them to do,” Sensibaugh said. “I know they wanted this just as much as anybody. They left all their effort and desire out on that field. They have nothing to hang their heads about.”

Valparaiso -- Steven Gerry 1 goal; Ethan Lehnen 4 saves.

Chesterton -- Caleb Gmyrek 4 saves.

Record: Valparaiso 15-2, Chesterton 11-4-1.

Posted 10/4/2012