BATH — The Richmond boys soccer team came within 52 seconds of pulling off one of the season’s great upsets in Saturday’s Class D state championship game.

But a penalty kick awarded to Bangor Christian kept their 60-game win streak alive and the Patriots survived in penalty kicks after two scoreless overtime to post a 2-1 win in capturing their fifth state championship in a row.

Given the circumstances, this wasn’t even supposed to be a game. But a young Richmond team has come a long way since the beginning of the season and matched the Patriots stride for stride and shot for shot.

“We knew we could play with them,” Richmond striker Nate Tribbet said. “We just had to settle down and pass the ball.”

Tribbet gave Richmond (13-3-2) a 1-0 lead with 16 minutes, 14 seconds left in regulation after the Bobcats were awarded a direct kick when Bangor Christian keeper Bryon Boutot was called for a handball outside the penalty area. Tribbet bent a shot around the Patriots defensive wall into the right corner.

“The wall was set far to the left so I shot to the right corner and it skipped in on the ground,” he said. “Keep it low and drive it.”

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The Bobcats got an outstanding game from senior goalkeeper Dustin Sullivan, who made 17 saves, including one in the penalty kick session. His best came in regulation when he robbed Tucker Rice from point-blank range after being pulled out of position trying to stop a shot. Richmond appeared headed for its 10th state championship and first since 2007 when the Patriots were awarded a penalty shot after a player was tripped in the far end of the penalty area.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a state championship game decided by a referee and not the kids on the field,” Richmond coach Joe Scribellito said. “That was a little bit frustrating. Maybe it’s just meant to be with these guys.”

The loss was the fourth time the Bobcats have fallen to the Patriots in a state championship game. Senior Jay Bishop took the penalty kick and tied the game by beating Sullivan to the left corner. Both teams had good scoring chances in the overtime periods and both goalies came up big. Sullivan made a diving save on Rice in the first OT and backup keeper Caleb Peary robbed Sam Lorbeski in the second overtime, tipping his high rocket just over the crossbar. Bangor Christian coach Aaron Wilcox pulled Boutot late in the game and put him in the field to generate more offense.

Boutot returned to the net during the penalty kick session which the Patriots won 4-2.

“There’s really nothing you can do,” Sullivan said of the penalty kicks. “It’s more like flipping a coin.”

Richmond’s first attempt missed the net and put the Bobcats in a hole. Cameron Emmons and Sullivan scored for the Bobcats but it wasn’t enough as Kyle Holmes, Seth Pearson and Zac Palmeter scored for Bangor Christian before Bishop sealed the win. Boutot and Peary combined on 14 saves on 28 Richmond shots.

“Our guys played above and beyond,” Scribellito said. “They knew this was going to be a challenge and an uphill battle and they played their hearts out.”

Gary Hawkins — 621-5638ghawkins@centralmaine.comTwitter: @GaryHawkinsKJ


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