St. Anthony Wins Regional Soccer Title

Effingham St. Anthony High School blanked Altamont 3-0 to claim the championship of the Class 1A Teutopolis Soccer Regional Friday.

"It was a very, very cold Friday night," said St. Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "Many parents had the Teutopolis Park parking lot full with a huge St. Anthony tailgate. Delicious chili and desserts circled the crowd as we pulled in for the game. The team and I had a nice meeting prior to discuss the urgency of the game and how Altamont was no team to take lightly. Their response was, 'don't worry coach, we are super pumped and ready.'

"The game started and we came out like a thrashing lightning bolt. Immediately we took the ball into Indian territory and blasted shot after shot, trying to break the barrier. Finally after almost 25 minutes of play, we were given a free kick about 25 yards out. Ryan Kruger took the kick and sliced it up and over the goalie to put it opposite side.

"We continued to pressure the defense. With minutes left Altamont was called for the hand ball on the box, to set up a plenty kick for Ryan, who connected for goal number 2, putting us up 2-0 before half. At halftime I told the boys not to let up. To keep going strong and hard.

In the second half, we came out just as strong, pressuring Altamont continously. Altamont had a few pushes, almost connecting on one of their three attempts. Finally Ryan tracked a loose ball down and dribbled it in to net the third and final goal to give us a 3-0 victory and the regional championship.

"It was a wonderful experience. The team played very, very well. I was extremely proud of the team and their accomplishments."

The Bulldogs (20-2-1) will now travel to the Altamont Sectional to face Pleasant Plains Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Pleasant Plains defeated Springfield Lutheran 1-0 to win the Riverton Regional.

At Olney

Effingham saw its season come to a close at the Class 2A Olney Regional. The Hearts lost to the homestanding Tigers 1-0.

Jared Minor had eight saves. Olney scored at 3:29 in the first half of overtime. The Hearts finish the season at 5-10-5.