TROY — Some mixture of resolve and luck allowed Athens to withstand a comeback effort by rival Troy and defeat the Colts 3-1 in Thursday night’s D1 regional championship.

A two-goal lead that had stood for the better part of the second half was chopped in half when a yellow card leading to a free kick resulted in a goal by Colts freshman Connor Hotts — his third of regionals — with 7:44 remaining in regulation.

The Colts remained workmanlike and had their perseverance rewarded in the form of another free kick on the right wing with about a minute left, and it produced several tremendous chances for a second set-piece goal, including a shot blasted off the crossbar.

Eventually, the ball settled, Athens worked it to Costa Ameli, and the junior forward uncorked a a shot from over 35 yard

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