For the second time in a week, Holy Spirit Prep got the best of the TCS Soccer Cougars. TCS played on their home turf yesterday but were unable to slow down a relentless HSP attack. The final score was 10-0.
TCS came out in a defensive lineup, hoping to correct the errors they made just a week ago when they visited HSP for their opening game of the season. For the first 20 minutes, the TCS defense stifled the HSP attack. Midfielders Nick Smith, Alex Yager, Gabe Belden, and Liam Walsh were tireless in their pursuit of the ball. Though TCS struggled to gain possession, HSP was unable to create any clear chances. Defenders Elijah Joiner, Alex Hogg, Kyle Kimble, Toby Nwokedi, and Camden Michaud kept HSP away from the goal and Aidan Briggs produced a few early saves on long range efforts. Daniel Byman and Blake Lackey constituted the TCS attack, but were crowded out by the HSP defense. HSP eventually navigated their way around the edge of the TCS defense and scored the opener on a header that left Aidan Briggs no chance. Throughout the rest of the first half, the TCS defense stood tall, only allowing HSP a few scoring chances. Though HSP tacked on two more goals, TCS went into halftime feeling good about their performance.
Tired legs got the best of TCS in the second half and led to defensive breakdowns and goals. Offensively, Daniel Byman was able to create two scoring chances. Byman drew a foul just outside the box and put the ensuing free kick on target, but it was caught by the keeper to maintain a clean sheet. Minutes later, Byman was able to slip past several HSP defenders on the wing to produce a beautiful cross that Camden Michaud put just wide of the net.
TCS will look to bounce back next week as they play back to back AAC home games Wednesday and Thursday vs Cumberland and Mill Springs. We hope to see you there!
Game Notes: Aidan Briggs produced another 13 saves, including several fantastic saves in 1-on-1 scenarios. Jack McGrew, Nick Elliott, and Nick Rice all provided defensive cover for TCS off the bench, while Michael Coryer, Charlie Kish, and Sam Bayer provided offensive depth.
