Tiger Cubs blank Lebanon 1-0

Friday, August 21, 2009

GREENCASTLE -- In boys' varsity soccer action, the host Greencastle Tigers Cubs defeated visiting Lebanon 1-0.

Play was very even throughout the first half, with Greencastle holding a slight advantage in possession. Both teams recorded six shots on goal in the first half, but Greencastle's Kyle Parker had to step up big on a couple of key saves to keep the match scoreless at the break.

"We had much better touches to start than we had on Tuesday," GHS head coach Dave Lilly said. "We missed on several good chances to get shots when we had guys running free, but the ball was played just into the penalty area and their keeper did a nice job of coming off his line for the ball."

The Tiger Cubs came out stronger in the second half and maintained better control of the ball.

After a couple of missed chances, Greencastle's Spencer Moore fired a shot that found the back of the net to put the Tiger Cubs ahead 1-0 with 20 minutes remaining in the game. The play began with Lebanon's keeper Matt Day deflecting a shot from GHS sophomore Mitchell Ball and Moore was there to finish. GHS took a more defensive alignment for the balance of the game, but still managed seven shots on goal to Lebanon's four.

Parker had 10 saves on the evening for the Tiger Cubs.

"Our back line was strong again tonight and Parker made some more huge saves to keep the shut out. We have things to work on in order to get ready for some tough games next week, but we are making progress," Lilly commented.

In junior varsity action, the teams tied 1-1. The Tiger Cubs took an early 1-0 lead when Brandon Query headed in a shot only five minutes into the match. Cody Watson served up the assist. Lebanon bounced back and fired a long, high shot over Greencastle keeper Jon Good to tie the score 1-1.

Greencastle (2-0) will travel to Crawfordsville on Tuesday to take on the Athenians at 5 p.m.

At Greencastle

LHS 0 0 -- 0

GHS 0 1 -- 1

Goals -- Moore GHS

Assists -- Ball GHS

Saves -- Parker (10) GHS, Day (13) LHS

Next game -- Greencastle (2-0) will travel to Crawfordsville on Tuesday to take on the Athenians at 5 p.m.