SOLON — In need of something that could turn the season around, Solon Spartans boys soccer went into Thursday’s matchup against the West Delaware Mustangs desperate for a victory. With a boatload of stunning goals, a couple of hat-tricks, and lockdown defense, the Spartans had an exclamation-point performance.
The Solon Spartans defeated the West Delaware Mustangs 9-0 under the lights Thursday night at Solon High School Spartan Stadium. After a shaky start to the season, the Spartans got it together for their first conference win of the season, and second win overall.
Two Spartan juniors recorded hat-tricks in the 9-0 win. One coming from Parker Mergen, the other from Ryan Locke. Locke has a rocket leg, with all three of his goals coming from at least 30 yards out.
“Normally I practice shooting once a week by myself and then in practice as well,” said Locke. “It felt pretty good to get the hat-trick.”
It’s safe to say the practice has paid off for Locke, who leads the team in goals so far this season. Solon Head Coach Eyasu Russell wasn’t only focused on the goals, however.
“It’s not so much of the domination,” said Coach Russell. “It’s more of learning how to play as a team and controlling the game, which we did pretty well.”
The Spartans dominated on both sides of the ball, rarely allowing the Hawks out of their own defensive half. Solon’s nine goals marked as the most they’ve scored in a game this season.
“If you want to win a game you have to put some in the goal,” said Coach Russell. “They did that pretty well tonight but need to do it more consistently against better teams.”
Along with the 9-0 win, the Spartans also had an 8-1 win earlier in the season over Clinton. In all other games, the Spartans only average only 1.6 goals scored per game. Hopefully the nine goals scored in this game can spark more fire under the attack for the Spartans moving forward.
The Spartans’ record improved to 2-5, with their next two matches against (2-5) Independence (after this edition’s deadline) and (1-4-1) Vinton-Shellsburg. Both of these games should provide tremendous opportunities for Solon to keep their momentum going and help turn their season around.