Cougars lose lead, match at Southmont

North Putnam senior Zach Hunter (8) stretches to deflect the ball in front of keeper Nick Kaufman. Hunter's second-minute assist gave the Cougars an early lead but they didn't hold on. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

CRAWFORDSVILLE -- The North Putnam boys' soccer team took a one-goal lead less than two minutes into its game at Southmont on Thursday, then saw the game drift away after a series of defensive letdowns, questionable penalties and exhausting runs in their 4-2 loss.

The Cougars controlled the ball for the first 10 minutes of the game, pushing it with constant pressure on the Mounties. Senior Zach Hunter's run down the left sideline led to their first goal.

His crossing pass in front of Southmont junior keeper Devin Miller trickled across the goal line where sophomore Trae Straziscar was waiting to tap it in.

The Cougars had a couple more runs in the opening minutes, but their thin bench seemed to catch up to them as the Mounties took control. NPHS senior keeper Nick Kaufman had 13 saves in the first half, then added 18 more in the second half, but the constant pressure forced a couple breakdowns.

A questionable foul call on the fringe of the 18-yard box gave the Mounties a penalty kick with 5:16 left in the first half, which senior Cameron Remley volunteered for.

Kaufman read the play correctly, diving to his right and getting his fingertips on the chance, but the ball snuck through to tie the game before halftime.

Remley scored on another PK in the second half and finished his hat trick with a goal at 15:48. Senior Nathan Bowers also scored for the Mounties.

North Putnam senior captain Bennett Hazelgrove scored with 1:17 left, but it was too little, too late for the Cougars, which had just five shots in the game.

The Cougars will get their next chance to get a win Tuesday at Tri-West at 5 p.m.

At Southmont
North Putnam.........1 1 -- 2
Southmont..............1 3 -- 4