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Though the Central High School boys' soccer team had to overcome its own unwise play and a penalty kick shootout, the top-seeded Falcons earned a thrilling victory against Hammond High in the 2A South Region semifinals on Friday.

After 80 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime ended in a 1-1 tie, Central won the shootout, 5-4, to advance to the 2A South Region final. The Falcons will host the game at 3 p.m. Tuesday against the winner of Friday night's game between Marriott's Ridge and Patuxent.

Central coach Karl Cain said the Falcons are fortunate to have sown up the region's No. 1 seed and the right to host their regional playoff games.

"I was hoping that we could get a goal in overtime because I thought [Hammond] had better shooters on their team," a relieved Cain said. "I don't know, what can you say? The home field has been such an advantage for us."

The Falcons' fans, who totaled less than 100, still made their presence felt and were downright loud at times. As for the action on the field, the Falcons should consider themselves fortunate because a slew of yellow cards nearly spelled doom.

Central players drew four yellow cards in the game, none more costly than forward Diallo Souleymane's second one, which sent him to the bench in the 61st minute and forced the Falcons to finish the game with only 10 players on the field instead of the full complement of 11.

The Falcons led, 1-0, at the time of Souleymane's mistake, but it took virtually no time for Hammond to respond. Captain Dustin Stout tied the game in the 64th minute with a shot from 25 yards out that went past Falcons' goalkeeper Ysser Touko. The score remained deadlocked through the end of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods.

With the penalty kicks tied, 3-3, Hammond's Danny Saco sent a shot wide to the left of the net. Central forward Kofi Osei and co-captain Kossi Aziakonou converted on the Falcons' next two chances to seal the victory.