St. Anthony Blanks Pana in Soccer

Effingham St. Anthony blanked Pana, 5-0 in soccer competition Saturday.

"We came out today looking to keep our drive alive," said St. Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "We controlled the game right away following the kickoff, moving the ball up very nicely. Passes looked crisp and two minutes into the game we already had some nice near misses. Not much longer after, about five minutes in, Ryan Kruger took a free kick just right outside the 18-yard line and sliced it right in.

"Seven mintues later, James Kabbes put a nice pass to Ryan Kruger only to connect again making it 2-0."

The Bulldogs finished the half with a 2-0 lead.

"Before starting the second half, I told the guys they looked very good, but I wanted them to turn it up one more notch," said Morales. "Ryan set up a ncie corner kick to find Ian Harris to put in his first goal of the season. Minutes later Peter Keller took a breakaway down the line only to find Ryan again to put it away making it his third goal of the game.

"With minutes left in the game, Kyle Hartke won a head ball out of the air that went right to the foot of Ryan who again had no problem finding the back of the net ending the game 5-0."

The Bulldogs held Pana to only five shots all game. Pana's keeper had nine saves and St. Anthony's Nick Grunloh had six saves. The Bulldogs improve to 12-2-2 on the season and hosts Arthur-Lovington Tuesday.