The results were nearly instantaneous.
LCA began to attack the goal, wearing out the midfield and placing more shots on the frame. Conversely, they held the Colts to only two shots on goal for the remainder of the game.
The Eagles were unable to get a foothold until the 20th minute of the second half, when sophomore Robbie Ross rippled the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
The goal was more than just a tick on the scoreboard, though, and both coaches knew it.
"I told the boys before the game, whoever scores first is going to dictate. As soon as we scored, we knew we had two things to do: Possess the ball and get it out of their hands," Akatsa said.
At that point, LCA was able to play long and conservative, which kept the Colts from settling long enough to get into any offensive rhythm.
The Colts ended their season 8-8-2.
Colts say goodbye
to five seniors
Although the early postseason loss was obviously a disappointment to the Colts, their success this season may have been an even bigger surprise.
After losing nine seniors from last year's squad, the group of five seniors - Christian Smith, Rick Garr, Michael Song, Wiley Adams and Trent Hale - provided much-needed leadership for a team that most considered to be in the midst of a rebuilding season.
"Like I told them all year, our quality is better than our quantity with our seniors," West head Coach Kevin Wright said. "I'll tell you one thing, nobody thought we'd win eight games this season, nobody."
Included in the doubters was senior Colt Smith. His fears were soon allayed, however.
"To tell you the truth, in the beginning of the season, I was a little skeptical about how we would do in the season, but after the first game I changed my mind," he said.
One very valuable addition to this year's team was Garr, who, after a two-year absence from the team, returned full-force to give the Colts an offensive boost, as well as added experience and leadership.
"I kind of regret not playing the last couple of years," Garr said. "It's just so great being back with the guys and finishing off my senior year, building lots of memories and having fun doing it."
For most of the year, Song and Adams have anchored the Colts' defense, but last week on senior night against Montgomery County, both were moved closer to the goal to get a chance to light up the scoreboard. Both succeeded in doing so. Song's goal came in the first half while Adams' came late in the game, much to the delight of the Colt Crazies in the stands.
The fifth senior, Trent Hale, didn't see much action on the pitch in his senior year, but his determination gave lessons even to Colt veterans.
"Trent Hale is the most persistent person I've ever seen in my life. He works hard and until tonight, hasn't seen a whole lot of playing time. But he never complains and always comes back and works hard," Adams commented after the senior night game. "I have a very high opinion of Trent Hale."
