Millbrook rallies past Laney in penalty kicks to advance in state soccer playoffs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The third-seeded Laney Buccaneers hosted the sixth-seeded Millbrook Wildcats out of Raleigh in the second round of the state soccer playoffs, looking to keep their postseason run alive.

After finishing second in their conference during the regular season, the Buccaneers hoped to use their home-field advantage to advance to the next round. Laney got off to a strong start in the first half, with Tristan Mouney finding the back of the net to give the Buccaneers an early 1-0 lead.

Conner Wall added another goal before halftime, sending Laney into the break with a 2-0 advantage.

However, Millbrook came out fighting in the second half. Zach Stevens converted a penalty kick to cut Laney’s lead to 2-1. Brennan Cleveland then scored on a header to tie the game at 2-2.

Neither team could break the tie in regulation, sending the game into overtime. Laney goalkeeper Carson Mattox came up with a crucial save to keep the Buccaneers’ hopes alive, but the game eventually headed to penalty kicks.

After a back-and-forth shootout, Millbrook came out on top, completing the comeback and ending Laney’s season. With the upset victory, Millbrook advances to face the reigning state champion Hoggard Vikings at the Shipyard on Monday.