The Portsmouth soccer team fell to La Salle 1-0 in the Division 1 quarterfinals in Providence on Wednesday night. Junior striker Mickey Fernandez scored for the Rams in the first half and they were able to hold off the pesky 6-7-5 Patriots with strong defense and goalkeeping.

Portsmouth goalkeeper Gabriel Chytka made 14 saves during the game and gave the Patriots a chance to tie the game in the second half.

“We played our hearts out on the field and fought till the very end,” Chytka said after the game. “The bounces just didn’t go our way. It’s heartbreaking.”

The keeper thanked the seniors, Jaxon Tavares, Brayan Lopez, Braden Coyle and Chris Aubuchan, for their play and leadership throughout the season.

“I wish them luck with their college careers,” he said.

A pair of chances for Portsmouth to knot the game

Junior striker Wyatt Woll, who was blanketed by La Salle defenders much of the game, had a pair of chances tie the score. Midway through the second half, the skilled striker collected quick pass and created just enough space to wheel and blast a 20 yard hip-high kick off the left goalpost. The Portsmouth crowd cringed as it clanged and bounded out of bounds. His second chance came after collecting a penalty while dribbling just outside the Rams goal box. The Patriots and Rams players set up 10-yards in front of the goal while Woll lined up his kick. After the referee’s whistle, he blasted the kick wide right of the goal.

“I’m super proud of our group and the season that we had,” said Patriots head coach Justin Kahle. “A bounce goes the other way and it’s a different game. But that’s soccer. I give credit to La Salle. They work hard, are organized and compete really well and were able to find a goal.”