Lions move to sectional final
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
LEESBURG — The season isn't over just quite yet for the Fairfield Lions boys soccer team. The Lions controlled the tempo, and for that, they moved on to their sectional final, defeating the North Adams Green Devils, 4-0 Monday.
In a game that, at times, was high on emotion, the Lions kept their cool when they needed to as they still have at least one game remaining in their season.
The win puts FHS at 13-3-1 overall on the year and 1-0 in the postseason.
"I feel great for the boys to get the win," FHS coach Brian Ortlieb said. "I feel great especially for the seniors. This time of year, everyone is one-and-done, and I want the season to go as long as it can for everyone, especially the seniors because they have been important to the program."
FHS led by three goals at the conclusion of the first half when senior Blake Hildebrant was first for the Lions, scoring the first of his two goals with 8:55 left in the opening half from about 15 yards away.
Thirty seconds later, the Lions added to their advantage when senior Ryan Bates kicked a goal from about 10 yards out for a 2-0 lead.
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Hildebrant made it a three-goal lead with 5:01 left in the first half as the senior kicked an off-balanced goal near the net.
In the second half, the lone goal came from junior Tom Ellison with 23:49 left in the match off a corner kick by Bates.
Senior Joey Wilson and freshman Jesse Current combined for the shutout win as Wilson totaled four saves.
"I still maintain Joey is one of the best keepers in the SE District," Ortlieb said. "He doesn't get enough recognition, and he continues to amaze me when he's at goal. Joey is fearless, consistent and directs our defense from the box."
The FHS coach also spoke about others in the match.
"Jesse and his brother Try worked well together in the midfield," Ortlieb said. "Ryan (Bates) had nice passes from the side, and I'm proud of the boys for how they kept their cool in some intense situations."
FHS will play for a sectional title on Wednesday, as they will face the winner of the Eastern Brown and West Union game.
Earlier this season, the Lions lost to EB, 3-1.
In a game that, at times, was high on emotion, the Lions kept their cool when they needed to as they still have at least one game remaining in their season.
The win puts FHS at 13-3-1 overall on the year and 1-0 in the postseason.
"I feel great for the boys to get the win," FHS coach Brian Ortlieb said. "I feel great especially for the seniors. This time of year, everyone is one-and-done, and I want the season to go as long as it can for everyone, especially the seniors because they have been important to the program."
FHS led by three goals at the conclusion of the first half when senior Blake Hildebrant was first for the Lions, scoring the first of his two goals with 8:55 left in the opening half from about 15 yards away.
Thirty seconds later, the Lions added to their advantage when senior Ryan Bates kicked a goal from about 10 yards out for a 2-0 lead.
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Hildebrant made it a three-goal lead with 5:01 left in the first half as the senior kicked an off-balanced goal near the net.
In the second half, the lone goal came from junior Tom Ellison with 23:49 left in the match off a corner kick by Bates.
Senior Joey Wilson and freshman Jesse Current combined for the shutout win as Wilson totaled four saves.
"I still maintain Joey is one of the best keepers in the SE District," Ortlieb said. "He doesn't get enough recognition, and he continues to amaze me when he's at goal. Joey is fearless, consistent and directs our defense from the box."
The FHS coach also spoke about others in the match.
"Jesse and his brother Try worked well together in the midfield," Ortlieb said. "Ryan (Bates) had nice passes from the side, and I'm proud of the boys for how they kept their cool in some intense situations."
FHS will play for a sectional title on Wednesday, as they will face the winner of the Eastern Brown and West Union game.
Earlier this season, the Lions lost to EB, 3-1.