Greencastle soccer rolls over Vikings

GREENCASTLE -- Another game, another blowout.

For the fourth straight outing, the Greencastle boys soccer team romped to a shutout victory against an overmatched opponent. The Tiger Cubs overwhelmed visiting West Vigo 9-0 on Tuesday, a game which saw coach Dave Lilly clear his bench and a senior score his first career goal.

The match was over by halftime -- well, long before that, actually as Greencastle racked up five goals in the opening 35 minutes. The scoring spree began early when Evan Smith slotted the opening goal home and ended late as Greencastle's reserves kept up the pressure on the Vikings.

"We started strong, and that's what we wanted to do," Lilly said. "Based on common opponents, we thought we had a better skill set than they did, so we made a point to set the tone early. I think we did that, and we were able to hold on to the clean sheet while playing 23 or 24 guys."

Greencastle's midfield dominated, rarely allowing West Vigo any scoring chances, while its men up front -- especially Brandon Query, who recorded a hat trick -- sent several balls streaking through the posts.

Even in what appeared to be a casual 9-0 victory, there was still quite a bit of excitement surrounding a certain goal in the second half.

That was because senior Clark Wilson notched his first score as a Tiger Cub.

"I'm just really happy for Clark," senior midfielder Cody Watson said. "He's been working hard at his game, and he definitely deserved that one."

In addition to Smith, Wilson and Query, Sonney Basham had two scores, and Mitchell Ball and Spencer Moore both added one apiece. Moore led with three assists, while Watson had two. Query, Smith and Marcus Benassi also each had an assist.

In its last four games, Greencastle has won by a combined score of 28-0 -- making it look easy most of the time. But Lilly knows tougher tests lie ahead.

"I think once we get into sectional play against some bigger opponents, we'll see just how good we are," Lilly said. "But we won it two years ago -- and I think we can do it again this year."

Watson said games like this one give the Tiger Cubs an opportunity to find their rhythm offensively.

"I'm very pleased overall," Watson said. "Our offense is becoming very proficient. Everything is starting to connect out on the field, and we're really flowing right now."

Greencastle will continue to refine its game when it takes to the pitch against Sullivan on Saturday.

At Greencastle

Greencaslte 5 4 -- 9

West Vigo 0 0 -- 0

Goals -- Query (3), Basham (2), Ball, Smith, Wilson, Moore