But after holding Poland scoreless for close to 80 minutes after a first half goal, the Cardinals finally broke through with a goal in the second 10-minute sudden victory overtime to end the Patriots’ most successful season in school history with a 2-1 victory.

And, while many of CV-S’s players lay strewn around the turf field as Poland players celebrated their second trip to the state Final Four in three years, head coach Terri Adams said they have nothing to hang their heads about.

``It was a great game and we represented our school and community very well,’’ she said. ``The atmosphere was unbelievable and I’m glad this team got to experience something like this.’’

Although this was the team’s first trip to state competition, Adams said she hopes it’s not the last.

``We lose nine seniors but we have a very good development program in place and the goal is to regroup, not rebuild every season,’’ she said. ``Hopefully, we’ll be back here again soon.’’

On Friday, the Patriots fell behind 1-0 about midway through the first half when Poland’s Dean Agen got behind CV-S’s defense after a scramble in front of the goal and beat CV-S goalkeeper Anthony Brant with a point-blank shot.

``I thought their player might have been off-sides, but it was a close call,’’ Adams said.

The score remained that way until less than a minute remained in the first half. Mike Cagganello booted a ball toward the Poland goal off a restart, and the ball was deflected to teammate Jesse Miller, who booted in a shot from close range.

That was all the scoring until the second 10-minute overtime period, but the Patriots had the best scoring chance midway through the second half.

Senior Jordan Carter beat a Poland defender and attempted to stuff in a shot past Poland goalie Justin Weakley. Weakley got a leg on the shot, but it still seemed as if it would roll into the goal before a Poland defender slid in and kicked the ball away inches before the goal line.

``I thought it crossed the line, but it happened so fast it was hard to tell for sure,’’ Adams said. ``That’s the kind of game it was, whoever got the break was going to win.’’

Among the nine seniors lost to graduation will be leading scorer Jason Guernsey, a four-year starter and emotional leader of the team. Midfielder Dylan Clements, who moved to CV-S from New Zealand late in 2006, was key member of the team’s success this year as well.

``We’ll miss their talents and their leadership next season,’’ Adams said.

Other seniors include co-captain and midfielder Mike Fassett, forwards John Odbert, Jordan Carter and Jesse Miller, goalkeeper Brant, and role players Weston Johnson and Scott Fullington.

``We’ll have a good nucleus of players back and we’ll get help from the junior varsity as well,’’ Adams said. ``I’m already looking forward to next year.’’