If the girl’s match last Tuesday evening was about control, the boys’ game that followed was about resilience as a steady rain fell all evening.
Solon generated early looks from Ryan Locke, Ethan Ulch and Eli Cash, but clear opportunities were hard to come by on both sides. Before the second half even began, the Spartans danced back onto the rain-soaked field, embracing conditions that turned the pitch slick. After the second-half kickoff, the lighthearted entrance gave way to a gritty, defensive battle. Logan Nissen had one of the Stormin’ Pointers’ better chances in the second half, but the Spartans held firm focusing on limiting opportunities and staying organized defensively.
Despite a scoreless finish, the team was happy with their resilience and consistency given the conditions.
“We’re about grit,” head coach Noah Sigwarth said. We see these games as opportunities to test how tough we really are.”
Though the Spartans would have liked to capitalize on their chances, the match reflected their identity.
“Super proud of our guys for showing up,” coach added.
On a night where the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story, both Solon teams proved something more important. Composed possession and determined defense proves the Spartans can withstand whatever the game, or the weather, throws at them.
Stats
Shots – Caden Mai 4, Ethan Ulch 2, Collin McKie 2, Ryan Locke 2, Eli Cash 1, Rene Meza 1, Griffin Spence 1
Shots on goal – Mai 2, Locke 2, Ulch 1, McKie 1, Meza 1, Spence 1
Saves – Jake Grimm 2
Williamsburg 3 Solon 2
A two-match winning streak ended on the Raiders’ turf Monday, April 6 as WaMaC West foe Williamsburg defeated the Spartans 3-2.
Collin McKie and Ryan Locke scored for Solon with one save credited to keeper Jake Grimm and a penalty kick for Locke.
Stats
Goals – Collin McKie 1, Ryan Locke 1
PK’s – Locke 1
Shots – Tucker Spence 9, Locke 9, Parker Mergen 8, McKie 4, Caden Mai 3, Ethan Ulch 1, Rene Meza 1, Griffin Spence 1
Shots on goal – Mergen 2, McKie 2, T. Spence 2, Locke 2, Mai 1, Meza 1
Saves – Jake Grimm 1