Mustangs season ended in districts by Peebles
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
DODSONVILLE — The season of the Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs was suddenly stopped Monday, as they dropped their first game of the season to the Peebles Indians, 2-1, in the Division III SE District Semifinals at Lynchburg-Clay High School.
The Indians (13-6) pressured the LC defense, scoring two goals in the second half. Their first goal was on a penalty kick (which tied the game), and the eventual game-winner came on a direct kick.
LC (15-1-2) wasn't at full force, playing the game without four starters, but even though they weren't involved in the game, LC coach Dennis West said he was proud of the way his team played.
"I am proud of the kids who were out there on the field," West said. "I'm very proud of them. That was the most time some of them have played in a game this year, and they did a great job."
West also spoke about Peebles, who the Mustangs defeated earlier this season (6-2) en route to an undefeated Southern Hills League championship.
"Peebles did well," he said. "They have improved tremendously over the year. We had a good season, this is just an unfortunate way for it to end."
LC was first to score with a goal five minutes into the game (35:00), when Kaique Costa made the score 1-0.
That was all the scoring in the first half, and all that the Mustangs would put on the scoreboard for the match.
The first PHS goal came with 20:25 when Joshua Denzik scored on a penalty kick. The final goal came with 6:33 when Jacob Denzik kicked the ball over the LC wall on a direct kick and past the keeper to the left side of the net.
LC gave up no goals while the game was in actual progress, and West praised the way his defense played.
"Our defense played outstanding. Both scores were on (solo) kicks," West said. "They played well."
Playing his final game for LC was keeper Colin Creek, who had seven saves, as the Indians had 14 shots at goal, eight in the first half. LC finished with 13 shots at goal, seven in the final 40 minutes.
"Colin is one of the best keepers I've ever coached," West said. "I hope he goes to the next level. Several colleges are looking at him, and he has the grades and talent to play at the next level."
Creek made some big saves in each half, leaping to keep the ball out of the goal with 27:32 left in the opening half.
Each team was also issued a yellow card in the first half.
This was also the final match (full-time) for coach Chris Tipton.
"I just want to acknowledge how much he has meant to this program," West said. "He's been with the boys team for 12 years and with the girls team for the past five or six years. I'm going to miss him, and he's been a tremendous help to me and to the program. He loves soccer, and it shows."
LC ends the season at 15-1-2 overall.