In a pair of heart-stopping Business League title showdowns that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, Nate Burton Photography and ECAB pulled off remarkable late comebacks to claim the coveted championship crowns this week.
The men’s final will go down as one of the most memorable contests in the league’s recent history, with Nate Burton Photography overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 12 minutes of regulation to stun pre-match favorites Prime Tanning with a 3-2 victory. It looked like Prime Tanning was set to cruise to the title after building a comfortable 2-0 lead by the 78th minute, thanks to two well-finished goals from their star striker that put the underdogs on the brink of defeat.
But Nate Burton Photography refused to let their season end in disappointment. A quickly taken free kick caught Prime Tanning’s defense napping, allowing winger Jake Morris to slot home a crucial 81st-minute goal that breathed new life into his side’s campaign. Just five minutes later, center forward Tom Carter headed home an equalizer from a pinpoint corner kick, sending the match into extra time with the scores level.
With fatigue setting in for both sides, it was Nate Burton Photography who kept their composure to find the winning goal in the 104th minute. Midfielder Leo Hayes picked up a loose ball outside the penalty area and curled a stunning strike into the top right corner of the net, leaving the Prime Tanning goalkeeper with no chance. The final whistle moments later sparked wild celebrations as Nate Burton Photography lifted their first ever Business League men’s title.
The women’s final delivered just as much drama, with ECAB mounting their own late comeback to defeat defending champions South West Plumbing 2-1. South West Plumbing, who had dominated the competition all season, took the lead in the 62nd minute through a clinical counter-attack finish that looked set to secure them back-to-back titles.
ECAB, who had pushed hard for an equalizer throughout the second half, finally broke through in the 87th minute when striker Mia Townsend converted a penalty after her side was fouled inside the box. With just seconds left in stoppage time, winger Lila Brooks latched onto a through ball and finished coolly past the onrushing goalkeeper, securing a last-gasp victory that no one in attendance will soon forget.
League organizers praised both sets of players for delivering two high-quality, entertaining matches that showcased the best of amateur workplace football. “Today was a perfect example of why this league means so much to the local business community,” said league chairman James Wilson. “Both teams fought until the final second, and we couldn’t be happier for the new champions. They earned every bit of this success.”