Cougars surrender lead, lose to Owen Valley 4-2

North Putnam senior Nick Kaufman scores the opening goal against Owen Valley on Tuesday. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

ROACHDALE -- The North Putnam boys' soccer team took a one-goal lead into the half, but fell flat against Owen Valley on Tuesday, losing to the guests 4-2.

Seniors Nick Kaufman and Bennett Hazelgrove each scored in the first half for North Putnam. Hazelgrove's goal, assisted by sophomore Parker Coffman, gave the Cougars a 2-1 lead in the 27th minute.

Owen Valley opened the scoring with a goal in the 15th minute, the first shot of the turnover-prone game.

Kaufman's goal came less than two minutes later when he worked a give-and-go play with freshman Kavyn Timm. Kaufman's blast from 18 yards out cruised past the outmatched goalkeeper of the Patriots.

With the quick change in momentum North Putnam was able to seize control of the ball for the majority of the remaining half, eventually leading to a breakaway goal for Hazelgrove.

The second half was a different story as the Cougars got sloppy and allowed three unanswered scores.

Sophomore Jake Holtze, starting in net for NPHS, had six saves in the first half but a little less luck in the second.

The Cougars will be back in action Saturday when they host Crawfordsville at noon.

At North Putnam
Owen Valley............1 3 -- 4
North Putnam.........2 0 -- 2