PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Patriots boys’ soccer team’s impressive season came to an end Wednesday night at the hands of South Kingstown High School, which won a hard-fought 2-1 match in the Division I state semifinals played in Johnston.

All of the scoring took place in the first 13 minutes of the game, which early on was characterized by a frantic pace, with each side taking turns sprinting up and down the field.

The Rebels struck first under four minutes into the game, when sophomore forward Jonathan Sherman found the left side of the net on a cross by senior forward Owen Tally.

Portsmouth’s only score came 11 minutes into the game after a foul was called on South Kingstown and senior forward Jackson Dunn converted the penalty kick to make it 1-1.

But less than a minute later, the Rebels answered right back after a corner kick was deflected past senior goalkeeper Chris Costa by

sophomore forward Jonathan Sherman.

For the remaining 48-plus minutes of the game, however, no

other player would find the net. Portsmouth had its share of opportunities, especially by way of corner kicks, but couldn’t convert on any of them. William Swart, a sophomore who’s been

splitting goalkeeping duties with Costa, kept the Patriots in the game with scoreless defense in the second half.

Patriots head coach Mike Stinton said the difference in the game was “probably a slow, sluggish start by us. We were lackadaisical

on a couple plays. Our defense had been playing pretty well and then we let them put two balls in the net. But we came back — give credit to us — and we put a lot of pressure on them and then it went back and forth.

“It was a real good soccer team for both teams, and that’s why we were in the semifinals. In the second half we certainly played like one of the four best teams in the state.”

As for next year?

“Being here today helps a lot,” said Mr. Stinton. “We’ve got young kids and they see a game like this and they look forward to the off-season, getting in the gym and doing the work they have to do. We’ve got some young guys coming up and some JV guys and freshmen coming up. Hopefully we’ll be back again for next year.

Good sports

Although they didn’t advance to the state title game, Portsmouth did learn Wednesday that it once again was awarded the annual Rhode Island Interscholastic League Sportsmanship Award for

finishing the regular season without being assessed a single yellow card.

“That’s a credit to the team,” said Mr. Stinton. “We play hard and, especially in Division I, it’s pretty unusual not getting a yellow card. We preach that, too — good sportsmanship on and off the team. It’s part of the learning process; it’s not just soccer, it’s about treating people fair.”

To view a photo gallery by Rich Dionne click link below.

Portsmouth Soccer Semifinals