Indians rally, tie with Blue Lions
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Playing in their second close game their second time on the field, the Hillsboro Indians improved on some aspects of their game Thursday at Richards Memorial Field but still are winless for the season as they tied with the Washington Blue Lions, 1-1.
Instead of leading a majority of the game like in their first contest (a 3-2 loss to the Miami Trace Panthers), Hillsboro ground out a goal late in the second half to fend off a second loss in the early portion of the season.
The game-tying Hillsboro goal came with 6:18 remaining when junior forward-midfielder Brandon Wilson scored a short goal, stepping and maneuvering by Washington defenders, kicking the ball to the right corner of the goal across the face of the Washington keeper. The assist was credited to senior forward Colton Campbell.
Though each team only scored one goal in the SCOL contest, the contest was far from dull, with Hillsboro coach John Weber saying his team controlled and out-shot the Blue Lions.
"I'd say the possession was 70-30 us," Weber said. "Their (WCH) goal early on was a miscommunication on our part. We had the ball most of the game in their territory, but our problem was we took 20 shots and made one."
Weber said the way his Indian squad played in the final 10 minutes should have been like that the entire game.
"For the most part, I was pleased with our passing, and our touches were better," Weber said. "All we need to do is finish."
The lone Washington goal was off the foot of Luke Mesker, with the assist to Tyler Ream.
HHS keeper Corey Walker kept the Indians in the game with a leaping grab near the 17-minute mark in the second half, as the Indians held possession of the ball near the Blue Lion side of the field for over 10 straight minutes at one point in the second half.
Hillsboro just missed tying the game earlier as an attempt for a goal bounced off the Washington keeper.
Washington coach Aron Teeters spoke about the tied SCOL contest.
"Davis Harvey did a nice job, and our goalie Josh Rowland did a good job in his first start (Thursday)," Teeters said. "We played with intensity."
On Tuesday, the Blue Lions dropped their season opener to Circleville, 4-1.
"We are looking to open the ball more, and that helps with keeping transitions in offense, and that is what we want," Teeters said. "The first half, we didn't allow many shots when we played defense, but I thought this was a balanced game."
Washington (0-1, 0-2) will play at London next Tuesday, Aug. 31.
The Indians (0-1-1) will play Saturday as they host Unioto at Richards Memorial Field at 4 p.m.
BOX SCORE
WCH 1 0 - 1
HHS 0 1 - 1
- - - - -
Miami Trace 3, Hillsboro 2
In their season opener at Richards Memorial Field, the Indians lost a two-goal lead in the second half, allowing the Panthers to take a 3-2 SCOL win Tuesday night.
HHS was up two goals with five minutes remaining when MT scored twice on penalty kicks (one on a foul and the other on a hand ball). MT then sealed the win with one final goal.
The Indians' goals were from seniors Kyle Coder and Colton Campbell.
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