The Miami Trace boys varsity soccer team has split its first two matches of the 2016 season.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, Miami Trace hosted London and won that match against a former SCOL opponent, 4-3.
On Tuesday, Miami Trace visited Chillicothe to open SCOL play for the season, falling to the Cavaliers, 1-0.
Chillicothe led at halftime, 1-0.
“Chillicothe and Wilmington will be the teams that everyone else will be chasing,” Miami Trace second year head coach Josh Thoroman said.
“Our kids executed the game plan,” Thoroman said. “Last year they beat us 7-2 at Miami Trace and 14-0 at their place.
“We were focused and executed the game plan (Tuesday) night,” Thoroman said. “Unfortunately, they out-shot us, 22-6. Shots were 8-4 at halftime.”
Tim Kinzler had 11 saves for the Panthers.
“They had a lot of shots that were not on goal,” Thoroman said.
Against London, in the season-opener, Miami Trace scored 12 minutes into the match with a goal from Blake Pittser off of a direct kick.
In the 29th minute, London tied the match during a driving rain.
The match was tied, 1-1 at the half.
London scored just 90 seconds into the second half to take a 2-1 lead in this back-and-forth battle.
At the 34:24 mark of the second half, the Panthers knotted the match with a goal by Pittser. The assist went to Ethan Conn.
With 32:59 remaining, Pittser crossed the ball to Conn who hit a volley shot out of the air to put Miami Trace into the lead, 3-2.
“That was a beautiful goal,” Thoroman said.
This time it was London’s turn to respond, as the Red Raiders tied things up with 30:17 to play in the game.
With 2:01 to play in the game, Conn scored what would be the game-winner for the Panthers.
“That was a double assist,” Thoroman said. “With Kody Burns playing the ball to Matt Fender, who one-touched on to Ethan Conn. He hit him on the run.”
It was a very physical match, according to Thoroman.
Miami Trace will play at Ross Southeastern Saturday at 11 a.m.
The Panthers resume SCOL play at Wilmington Tuesday and at McClain Thursday. Game time is 5 p.m.
