McClain, Hillsboro play to 3-3 tie
GREENFIELD — The McClain Tigers and Hillsboro Indians varsity boys soccer teams played an exciting and hard-fought match Tuesday night in Greenfield that ended in a 3-3 draw.
McClain jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage in the opening half of the South Central Ohio League match at McClain Field, on goals by Vini Marcelino and Cody Hardesty.
Hillsboro answered those goals just before intermission with a goal at the 2:54 mark by D.J. Brown.
“Greenfield and Hillsboro is always a good game,” McClain coach Jon Chamblin said. “It is always very competitive and usually extremely physical, and tonight was no different.
“I did think the officials kind of let it get a little out of hand at times, but overall, I’m still pleased with our effort. Our kids finally put two solid halves together.”
The Indians wasted little time, tying the game at 2-2 in the second period when Deklan Condon scored two minutes into the half on a penalty kick.
Marcelino gave the Tigers back the lead at the 27:22 mark with an unassisted goal, until Condon tied the game again at the 16:22 mark.
[[In-content Ad]]
Both teams had opportunities to score down the stretch but were unable to convert.
Hillsboro head coach John Weber was pleased with his team’s overall effort despite the tie.
“I thought it was an excellent played game overall,” Weber said “I was really proud of our guys coming back from that 2-0 deficit.
“Overall, I thought it was a heck of an effort because we had several guys playing in positions they have never played before because of some injuries.”
The tie puts Hillsboro at 3-0-2 overall and 2-0-2 in the SCOL. McClain now stands at 4-2-1 overall, 2-2-1 in the league standings.
HHS will play again on Wednesday at Lynchburg-Clay in non-league play. The Tigers host the Wilmington Hurricane Thursday at McClain Field.