Soccer Results: Sept. 19
NorthWood Boys 11, Jimtown 0
In a clash of Elkhart County schools, the #9 (2A) Panthers whitewashed the host Jimmies in a non-conference tilt. Even though the Panthers’ senior day was held last Monday in Nappanee, the soon-to-be graduates were on full display on Saturday as most of the team’s 11 goals were scored by members of the class of 2021.
Reserve Kyle Cripe knocked in his first two goals of his varsity career to send his Panther teammates into euphoria.
Seniors Sebastian Guillen and Andre DeFreitas each scored twice while Kayden Newcomer, Marshall Beebe and Nick Lechlitner each with one. Sophomore Joel Guzman was the only underclassman to tally for NorthWood while the remaining goal as an own-goal by the Jimtown keeper.
NorthWood’s senior netminder Andrew Graber pitched the shutout for the visitors, helping raise NorthWood’s record to 6-2-3, 1-1-3 in the NLC.
“We played this one for Kyle (Cripe),” said senior co-captain Guillen of his classmate. “He is always happy and ready to work hard. He always hypes us up from the beginning of the game to the end no matter what.”
“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a coaching staff and teammates more excited about a player scoring a goal,” added NorthWood Head Coach Brad Duerksen. “Kyle works hard in practice every day and deserved those two goals.. We were all so excited for Kyle, and we named him player of the game for his efforts.”
The Panthers will return to conference action on Tuesday evening when they host new NLC member Mishawaka.
Elkhart Girls 3, NorthWood 2
In the Lady Panthers’ first clash with the newly consolidated Elkhart High School, NorthWood came tantalizingly close to taking down the new county behemoth in a match contested at Wellfield Park in Nappanee.
The Lions jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first half, with the goals coming just minutes apart in the first 15 minutes of play. NorthWood managed to regroup with no further goals being scored by either side before the halftime whistle blew.
Early in the second half, NorthWood finally got on the board on a goal by sophomore Ari Topping from a nice touch pass in front of the goal from classmate. The Panthers would find the equalizer midway through the half when Knepp was taken down from behind by an Elkhart defender just inside the top of the 18, which was immediately called by the referee. The resulting NorthWood penalty kick was converted into the bottom left corner of the goal by junior Emma Martz.
The match looked as though it would end in a 2-2 draw until Elkhart took advantage of a mistake on the Panthers back line and was able to push through their third goal of the day, which is where the contest would finish.
After five games in eight days, NorthWood (3-5-2, 1-3 NLC) will get a much needed break before they take the pitch again next Thursday at home agains potential Sectional 20 foe Lakeland.
Warsaw Girls 0, Mishawaka Marian 0
The Lady Tigers almost slayed the #1 (2A) Knights on Marian’s home turf.
In a back and forth game, both teams had several opportunities to break the tie, but neither could capitalize on their chances, according to Warsaw coach Jon Hoover.
Kierstin Parker came up with a brilliant breakaway save part way through the second half to keep the game scoreless. Minutes later, Rylee Burns got through the backline for the Tigers and appeared to be taken down by the Knights’ last defender, but the flags stayed down and Warsaw ended up settling for the tie.
Warsaw (7-5-1, 5-0 NLC) will continue their quest for the NLC championship when they retake their home field next Saturday against Kosciusko County rival Wawasee.
Argos Girls 7, Lakeland Christian Academy 1
Lakeland Christian Academy played host to the #13 (1A) Argos Dragons Saturday evening. The teams spent the the first ten minutes of the game feeling each other out. Argos was awarded a penalty kick after a hand ball was called in the LCA goal box. That broke the seal as Argos would go on to score four more goes in the half.
The Cougars did come out in the second half and hung in there, according to LCA skipper Nat Raber. Argos would strike first but LCA would get a goal later in the half. Keely Bauer had a great shot on which Argos keeper made an unbelievable save. The rebound was collected by Jessi Calizo who found Avery Hobbs at the top of the 18 where she shot and scored. Argos would add another goal later in the game to end the scoring.
“We played a really good team tonight,” said Raber. “I was pleased with the effort we gave and glad that we had a legit assist on our goal. We get some time off that will be welcomed as we can really work on some things before our end of the season push.”
LCA will travel to Maconaquah for an 11 a.m. game next Saturday.