Varsity Soccer Recap Week of September 18
Tuesday, September 19 @ Howard School Hawks (1-9 loss)
The first contest against the Hawks proved to be a hard fought 0-1 loss. Last year, the Cougars dropped the first match at home only to rebound for a win at Howard. Would history repeat itself? Unfortunately not. Howard started out strong scoring their first goal seven minutes into the match. The Cougar defense held the Hawks scoreless for the next twenty-two minutes before the Hawks scored twice in a three minute span. While Hawks celebrated their 3-0 lead, Weston Kershner scored off a Jack McGrew assist only a minute later cutting the Hawk lead to two. Howard was able to score one more goal as time expired to take a 4-1 lead into the half. In the second half, the Hawks did not sit on the three goal lead scoring three more goals in the first ten minutes and two more goals during the next fifteen minutes. The remaining fifteen minutes was a battle of the reserves which ended in a draw. Jack Kane did notch another ten saves as goalkeeper. Now, only one practice to make the necessary adjustments before the MSA match.
Thursday, September 21 @ Mill Springs Academy Mustangs (6-3 win)
The second match of the week was a rematch of the Cougar’s second contest of the season against MSA – a 0-4 defeat. In an attempt to change things up, Jack Kane was moved from GK to striker and Davis Bradly was moved into goal as keeper. Instead of a 3-3-4 alignment, the Cougars lined up in a 3-4-3 alignment to take control of the midfield. Just a few minutes into the match, it was apparent that the Cougars came to compete – focused, aggressive and physical. The Mustangs did manage the first goal after twenty minutes compliments of their leading scorer sneaking one in from distance. It took another ten minutes for the tide to turn, but the Cougars finally came into their own scoring three goals in the final ten minutes of the half. The first goal was scored by Jack Kane off a Caden Henderson assist. Weston Kershner scored the second goal on a header off a Gabe Belden assist. Finally, Jack Kane ricocheted a shot off a MSA defender for the third goal. Cougars held a 3-1 lead at half. The second half began with Jack Kane back as goaltender and Bradly Davis in the midfield. Cougar confidence was high for the first time this season. This confidence was even further elevated with two additional goals for a 5-1 lead. Weston Kershner punched one in off a Gabe Belden free kick and then Gabe scored an unassisted goal. MSA finally broke the Cougar’s five goal scoring streak with one of their own. Gabe Belden answered by taking advantage of a free kick opportunity from distance driving it into the upper corner of the goal – the best looking goal of the season. MSA added one last goal with five minutes remaining. The offense finally started to click, but it was the midfield and defense play that spurred the offense. Davis Bradley’s fresh legs wore down the Mustang midfielders and defense. Jackson Barnes, Andrew Little, Charles Young contributed a strong aggressive effort. Charlie Kish shadowed the Mustang’s best player limiting his effectiveness. And finally, Alex Evans thwarted all Mustang quick strike attempts at goal. Shout out to the Cougar fans in attendance – the cheering constantly energized the team. Best win of the season!
This week the Cougars have only one game scheduled – a home contest against Atlanta Area School for the Deaf on Tuesday 09/26 at 3:15.