If Tuesday’s Baltimore County boys soccer championship game was a boxing match, Towson High would’ve trailed on the judge’s cards. The Generals were a tick behind Dulaney’s aggressive effort.

But like boxing, it all can change in a flash, and the Generals are still champs. Josh Villano’s goal with 1 minute, 39 seconds remaining in the second overtime lifted host Towson to a 1-0 decision over the Lions.

It’s the fourth straight league championship for the Generals (9-4 overall), who were outplayed for most of the 98-plus minute affair.

But there was Villano, who headed-in Sebastian Aponte’s corner kick to start a raucous celebration.

“I can’t even describe it. It just came to me and it was my natural instinct. I love it,” said Villano. “Words can’t express how excited I am and happy for the guys because we’ve put in a lot of work since August.”

Back in late summer, legendary Towson coach Randy Dase knew Villano would be an impact performer.

“He’s very intelligent, he’s got great skill,” said Dase in his fifth decade coaching soccer at his alma-mater. “The ironic thing is, we’ve predicated a lot of our goals in the past on corners and long throws and we had not scored all year on a corner kick…I think he picked a good time to score one.”

Villano’s eventual heroics was aided by a stellar effort by Towson’s backline and senior goalie Parker Fong who refused to relent against a spirited Lions squad, determined to avenge a 2-0 loss back in September.

The Generals have only a few hours to enjoy their latest Baltimore County title as they’re back on their home turf Wednesday

afternoon against Patapsco in the opening round of the Class 3A North Region playoffs.

Towson last won a state title in 2005. Dulaney’s postseason starts Friday with a 4A North Region semifinal at Parkville.

Until Tuesday, the Lions (6-7-1) hadn’t lost a match since the decision to Towson in September.

Dulaney had an accelerated work rate Tuesday, but no payoff.

“You’ve got to tip your cap to Towson. They played with a lot of heart and intensity and they lean on you a little bit,” said Lions coach Dan LaHatte. “They’re always dangerous on set pieces and the last one is the one that mattered today and they got that break.”

BALTIMORE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

at Towson

Towson 1, Dulaney 0 (2 OT)

Dulaney 0 0 0 0 - 0

Towson 0 0 0 1 - 1

Goal: Towson - Josh Villano

Assist: Towson - Sebastian Aponte

Saves: Dulaney - James Culhane 4; Towson - Parker Fong 8