Tiger Cubs lose defensive struggle with Warriors

Friday, September 19, 2008

The Greencastle boys' soccer team dropped just its second match of the year Thursday when it fell to Covenant Christian 1-0 at Dee Monett Field.

In the varsity match, the teams battled through a scoreless first half, with the Warriors holding the Tiger Cubs to only 4 shots. Ryan Payne made 10 saves for Greencastle in the first half.

The Tiger Cubs couldn't apply much offensive pressure in the second half either, gaining only 3 shots on goal. Ryan Payne was forced to make 8 saves in the second half, and Sonney Basham added 2 key defensive saves to keep the Tiger Cubs alive.

Unfortunately for Greencastle, the Warriors scored on a free kick with 12:04 remaining in the game. Covenant Christian was awarded the kick for a Tiger Cub foul just outside the penalty area and the Warriors Blake Leyden was able to head the ball past Payne for the only score of the match.

"We knew coming into the match that Leyden was their go-to guy," GHS coach Greg Lilly said. "Our back line did a great job containing him all night. It's unfortunate that Cary Russell was injured in the second half and Steven Miller wasn't 100 percent recovered from a sinus infection.

"We knew it would be an 80 minute battle," he added. "They are technically the best team we have played this season and I was pleased with our effort. The biggest thing that our team learned is that we can play with anyone out there."

In the JV match, Greencastle trailed 1-0 at the break and for much of the second half, but Mitchell Robinson hit a 25-yard shot with 15:15 remaining to tie it up at 1-1.

However, the Warriors pulled back into the lead for good on a goal by Adam Christensen with 3:37 to play.

Kyle Parker had 18 saves in the JV contest.

The Tiger Cubs will host Sullivan at 10 a.m. Saturday.

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