Cougar drop contest with Danville, 4-0

ROACHDALE --North Putnam's boys soccer team played competitively in its season opener Thursday against Danville, losing 4-0 in a nonconference match on the Cougars' field.

North Putnam (0-1) trailed 1-0 at halftime and 2-0 with three minutes to play.

"They're one of the tougher teams we'll play this year," North Putnam coach David Moeller said. "We held them to a 1-0 lead at halftime and 2-0 until late in the match. We got worn down. For our first game, I'm pleased."

The Cougars had sophomore Ryan Ruapp at goalkeeper in the first half and junior Michael Zuver defending the net in the second half. It was the first soccer match at any level for both players. Danville (1-1) had 13 shots on goal and Ruapp and Zuver made several outstanding saves.

"I thought they played really well," Moeller said. "It was their first game ever."

North Putnam's strategy focused on defense and counterattacking offensively.

"Coming in, we decided on a defensive-oriented game," Moeller explained. "Danville is a good team. We want to hit with a counterattack and we had a chance or two to score in the first half."

Moeller praised the play of midfielder/forward Cody Summerlot and defender/midfielder Stephen Freund.

"They both did a good job," Moeller said.

At North Putnam

Danville 1 3 -- 4

North Putnam 0 0 -- 0

First Half

D -- White (Torres assist).

Second Half

D -- Wilcoxon

D -- Wilcoxon (Torres assist)

D -- White (Torres assist)