Effingham Wins First Round Regional Game

The Effingham Hearts soccer team took its first step along the post-season trail Saturday, winning 1-0 over Decatur Eisenhower at EHS Field.

Effingham Coach Aaron Witges said, "We controlled the pace of the game up until the last 15 minutes or so and hung on for the victory. We got great play from everyone involved in the game and had multiple opportunities to score, but were only able to net one goal off a great corner kick from Tyler Katz who connected with the head of Michael Carie for our only goal."

Witges added, "This is the senior class' first regional win in their four years (in high school) and my first regional win in my four years as coach. These kids have put in so many hours of hard work over the past four years. I am extremely proud of their effort today and throughout the last four years. The long wait for a regional win made this one that much sweeter."

Effingham had seven shots on goal, to just two for Eisenhower. Frank Kasdorf had the two saves in goal for Effingham.

As to the future, Witges said, "We face a big challenge in Mattoon on Tuesday. We have played Mattoon twice this year; one tie, one loss. They knocked us out of the regional last year and we are excited for the opportunity to play them again in the postseason this year."

The game at Mattoon against the top-seeded Green Wave will begin at 5pm at Mattoon High School.