|
Warhorses topple Mustangs in season’s first soccer game
Not phased by a pair of rain delays, Owen jumped to a 4-1 halftime lead Monday and went on to a 5-2 victory over Smoky Mountain in the first game of the soccer season at Swannanoa.
“We were disappointed in the loss,” Coach Dolphus Brown said. “We thought this was an opportunity for a win if we played well.”
Smoky Mountain’s J.R. Collins (right) has control of the ball as an Owen player moves in during Monday’s season-opening soccer game. Owen won 5-2. – Herald photo by Carey Phillips
Lightning and heavy rain delayed the start of the game about 10 minutes. Shortly thereafter, severe weather caused a delay of another 50 minutes.
“Our defense has not jelled yet,” Brown said. “The breakdowns came in the back. It’s young kids who have not gotten the experience yet.”
The first mistake occurred with 13 minutes elapsed when an own goal inadvertently scored by SM put the Warhorses up 1-0.
The Mustangs tied it five minutes later when J.R. Collins scored with an assist from Matt Dougherty.
“Matt had taken it deep and made a great cross in front of the goal to J.R., who just stuck it in the net,” Brown said.
Owen went on top for good, 2-1, at the 32-minute mark as Sami Bin scored from about 12 yards out with an assist from Will Blankenship.
“The ball came off the left side on a cross to the far post,” Brown said. “The kid beat our marking back.”
Blankenship’s goal from 18 yards out made it 3-1 at the 30-minute mark.
“He just beat our defender one-on-one on the right side,” the coach said.
The halftime margin was 4-1 following Bin’s goal from 15 yards out off a Blankenship assist.
“That came off the left side,” Brown said. “He beat the defender and made a nice cross.”
Owen had a 12-6 advantage in shots during the first half, but the Mustangs dominated 13-3 after intermission to finish with a 19-15 edge.
SM had a strong start in the second half as Grant Schallock cut the gap to 4-2 when he scored from 16 yards out with two minutes elapsed.
“Grant received the ball inside the box, dribbled a couple of yards to the right, beat the defender and shot the ball to the far post,” Brown said.
The Warhorses added an insurance goal when Bin scored his third goal on a breakaway at the 65-minute mark to account for the final margin.
“Our sweeper made a mental miscue, and the guy just blew right by him,” Brown said.
Sterling Brady made six saves for SM, and Cody Bryson came off the bench for one.
Danny Mann and Roab Becker had seven and five assists, respectively, for Owen.
|
