The Miami Trace varsity boys soccer team hosted their long-time Highland County rivals, Hillsboro, for a Frontier Athletic Conference match on a much-cooler Thursday, Sept. 28.
It was another long night of soccer at MTHS ….for Hillsboro as they had to withstand charge after charge from the Panthers. Miami Trace out-shot the Indians, 18-12 and brought their physical play as they were whistled for 15 fouls as compared to the Indians being whistled for seven fouls.
Hillsboro was credited with a goal when they crossed the ball through the Miami Trace penalty box and a defender misplayed it off of their head and into the Miami Trace goal, for an own goal, with 24:38 remaining in the first half.
It was 1-0 Indians at the break.
After a Hillsboro free kick and a fierce battle in front of Miami Trace’s goal, the ball was played out to a Hillsboro player who was able to immediately chip it over the Panthers’ keeper, Justin Shoemaker, to make the game 2-0, Indians with 32:54 to play.
Shoemaker had four saves versus eight shots faced. Sophomore Jake Harris came into the game and recorded three saves against four shots faced.
“Basically, Hillsboro did not score in the ‘run of play’ tonight,” Miami Trace assistant coach Sean Sweeney said. “They beat us 6-2 in Hillsboro but we were without a starter and had another starter not feeling well in that game. We controlled the first 20 minutes at Hillsboro, so we knew we would play a solid game tonight”
Sweeney added that the Panthers simply have struggled offensively this season.
“Defensively, we start the same four guys for the third year in a row; seniors Preston Huff, Adam Ginn, and Matt Fender, and junior Drew Batson. If the defense only allows a goal a game, or even 2 goals sometimes, then they have done their job.”
The Panthers’ defense only allowed 25 goals in 2016 (the Panthers scored 44) after allowing 75 in 2015 (the panthers scored 33 in 2015). We’ve got to find some goals. We have a solid team. I am shocked to have a 3-8-0 record” stated coach Thoroman.
Miami Trace coaches cited sophomore Caleb Perry, Senior Adam Ginn, and Juniors Drew Batson and Devin Howard for their great play.
The Panthers are 3-8-0 overall, 2-6 in the FAC this season.
They have lost to Unioto 1-0, London 1-0, McClain 1-0, Hillsboro 2-0, Chillicothe 6-0, and Chillicothe 11-0. The Panthers other losses were 6-2 to Hillsboro and 4-1 to Jackson.
The Panthers have defeated Circleville 4-2, McClain 2-0, and Washington, 4-3.
Miami Trace is at home against Jackson for another FAC match Tuesday. The girls play at 5 p.m. and the boys’ match is slated for 6:45 p.m.
