Bulldogs Take Second At Mattoon Soccer Tourney

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Published on October 5 2015 9:02 am
Last Updated on October 5 2015 9:02 am
Written by Millie Lange

Effingham St. Anthony competed in the Mattoon Soccer Tournament Saturday.

"It was a cold, cold weekend," said St.Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "Friday evening we played Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond in the first cold and windy showdown. We beat the Knights in regular season play earlier in the week. Right out of the gate we began to pressure them, but were unable to find the back of the net. The goal frame was the target the whole first half, bouncing most of our shots off the frame.

"In the second half it was much of the same. We controlled the pace of the game, when finally minutes into the half, we were given a penalty kick which was taken by Donovan Hammer who connected and put us up 1-0 for the win.


"Saturday morning and even colder than Friday, we began to warm up to start play against the Spartans from St. Joesph/Ogden. St. Joe came out very aggressive in the first half, getting their first and only shot on goal that half.

"We came firing back peppering the St. Joe goalie over and over. Then in the 20th minute, James Kabbes had a throw in to find Ryan Kruger to put us up 1-0. But with seconds left Ryan picked up a loose ball about 22 yards out and turned with a rocket shot to connect with his second goal of the half with only six seconds left before the buzzer and we were up 2-0 at the half.

"The Second half we continued to have our way and put constant pressure on the Spartans, not allowing the ball to reach their defensive half. We switched up our lineup and put in 11 fresh legs for the remainder of the game. We came out with a 2-0 victory sending us into the championship game against host Mattoon. Everyone played an amazing game and I couldn't have been any prouder of the team. The second team that came in to finish the game also came out and played a wonderful game. Ashley Dietzen had a few missed opportunities, as did Liam Hammer and Mason Thomas.


"In the championship game, we knew going in Mattoon was going to be a very tough match. The first 15 minutes of the game we played even with them. They went back and forth at each other, until finally Mattoon put the first goal in, giving them the boost they needed. Just minutes later Ryan had two breakaways to the goal all alone kicking the ball once to the goalie, and the second time just missing the goal within inches. The Green Wave finished out the the half with another goal putting them up 2-0 at halftime.

"We came out very strong in the second half, playing right with the Green Wave. Again Ryan had a couple opportunities on breakaways but came up just shy of the net both times. Mattoon continued to play hard, as they sealed the deal netting their third goal with just 12 minutes left in the game. We were unable to respond, taking only our second loss of the season, 3-0.

"We finished second in the tournament with two wins and one loss. We played very well. We played three games in 24 hours and with the temperature almost unbearable to boot. We hung in there and played the best to our ability. We played a great team. They passed the ball well and executed consistently. I am super proud of the kids. We came home with our heads held high and proud of our work.

"Nick Grunloh had an amazing tournament, stopping all he could. Thanks to all the parents who helped make this weekend a very warm weekend. Thanks for all the food and blankets."

St. Anthony is now 16-2-1 on the season and is only one win away from breaking the school record of most wins in a single season. The Bulldogs play host to Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran Tuesday during Senior Night.