Every thing had gone so effectively for Miami soccer to begin the 2023 season. The Hurricanes had been 4-0 for the primary time since 2017, and the group had scored no less than 38 factors in every of its first 4 video games for the primary time since 2002. With a marquee recreation subsequent week in opposition to undefeated North Carolina looming, the Hurricanes first needed to get previous a middling Georgia Tech group at dwelling.
Georgia Tech shocked Miami, 23-20, to finish the Hurricanes’ unbeaten season. Miami had the sport locked up late within the fourth quarter, however blew it with one of the vital questionable teaching selections you’ll ever see.
Miami had a three-point lead and the ball within the last seconds of the fourth quarter. Going through a third-and-10, Miami might have taken a knee to expire the clock and guarantee their victory. As a substitute, the Hurricanes selected to run the ball. They fumbled.
A couple of performs later, Georgia Tech QB Haynes King hit Christian Leary with a 44-yard landing cross to win the sport as time expired. Watch the performs right here:
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal could by no means stay this one down. The Hurricanes had been one kneel down away from a 5-0 begin. Someway, a choice to run the ball led to essentially the most heartbreaking lack of the younger faculty soccer season.
Miami had a 99.9 % likelihood to win the face whereas dealing with third down. They misplaced!
After the sport, Cristobal admitted his group ought to have taken a knee:
“We must always have taken a knee,” Mario Cristobal mentioned.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 8, 2023
Miami completely out-played Georgia Tech on the evening, however they simply saved capturing themselves within the foot.
We’re gonna overlook that Miami had outgained GT by almost 300 yards and held them to below 200 yards and 17 factors earlier than that last drive, that two of the Van Dyke picks had been in FG vary, that Miami misplaced seven yards and settled for a FG off a decide and lengthy return. A lot dangerous.
— Andy Hutchins (@AndyHutchins) October 8, 2023
We’ve seen some wild clock administration blunders through the years in faculty soccer, however this one may take the cake.
What a solution to lose an undefeated season for the Hurricanes. This one falls squarely on the toes of Cristobal.
