NORTH ROYALTON — Howland and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) went back and forth for nearly 80 minutes, with neither team able to take a lead in their Division III regional semifinal Wednesday in North Royalton.

But 32 seconds before the teams were set to head to overtime, CVCA’s Nick Myers, after a Royals free kick, sent a low shot toward the right post. The ball lightly tapped before settling in the back of the Howland net. The goal instantly stunned and devastated the Tigers, whose season officially ended moments later with the final whistle and a 1-0 loss.

“It was definitely a hard-fought battle on both sides. … Outstanding play by my seniors. It’s unfortunate for them to go out this way. This was a game designed for them. Hard to see it end this way,” Howland coach Joe Bref

See Full Page