Germantown, Illinois plunged into despair when its U12 soccer team's "invincible" defense was smoked for a goal by Lane Young of Goodfield in action Saturday.
The star 10-year old midfielder for Eureka found the back of the net midway through the game's first half, launching it from a few feet off the center line.
"I can stop any kick," sobbed trembling Germantown goalie Mason Waxman following their 3-1 win. "But that was a rocket..."
"I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight," added coach Kent Hartley Reed. "I don't know if anyone in town will be able to sleep tonight."
Indeed, the Germantown city council called an emergency assembly, lowering flags to half-mast after just 20 minutes of deliberation. It marked the first time the village of just over 1,000 residents had done so since an F5 tornado nearly destroyed it 1957.
"This is a devastating day for us all," quavered Mayor Marvin Johnson, Jr. in a hastily assembled press conference. "U12 defense is our town's heart and soul. A piece of us died today. Germantown will never forget this day, or Lane Young." He added that local grief counselors would be available at the school on Monday.
Goodfield and Eureka noted the historic significance in its own way, adopting an unusual joint resolution to decree "Lane Young Day" in each village.
"I'm not sure it's ever been done before," noted Goodfield Mayor Ross Hohulin of the commemoration. "And that seems fitting, since a goal like that may never happen again."
In addition to Germantown's previously perfect defensive record, the goal was all the more incredible since Eureka was playing its second match of the day.
"Not really," said Young, when asked if he felt any more tired than usual.
Nor were his teammates, who practically dog-piled him following the score.
Nor was mom Dona. "What a kick, what a goal!" she near-screamed, as the crowd freaked around her.
"(inaudible)," added extremely hoarse coach and dad Troy.
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