St. A, Breese Central Play to 1-1 Tie, EHS, Altamont Fall

Effingham St. Anthony played host to the Cougars of Breese Central Tuesday and the game ended in a 0-0 tie.

"It was a well played game between the two teams," said St. Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "Breese Central came out in the first half really aggressive and played very exceptional. They moved the ball very well, trying to work their way to the goal. Our defense again did very well to hold them to only a couple shots on goal.

"Senior Jon Blanchette played one of his best games yet. The Cougars took the ball down his side over and over, but Jon was there to stop the play. The Cougars played on the offensive side most of the first half. We had a few looks on some breakaways, but just could not find the goal.

"Coming into the second half, we stepped up the pace and really took it to the Cougars. The Cougars looked gassed and we looked like fresh, energized players, moving the ball in every direction, just shooting at the goal at all cost. We were to see many, many looks at the goal, but were only able to either just miss to the side or graze the top.

"The game ended in a 0-0 tie, but both teams played well."

The Bulldogs move to 7-0-3 on the season and play host to the Olney Tigers Thursday.

At Mattoon

Effingham traveled to Mattoon and fell to the Green Wave 8-0.

Miller tallied two goals for Mattoon. Other goals came from Ghere, Carpenter, Lensink, Hamilton, Uphoff and Heuerman.

The Hearts drop to 1-8 on the season.

At Altamont

Altamont squared off against Breese Mate rDei Tuesday and lost 3-0.

"We stood strong and did not bend as Breese Mater Dei came out and played their pressing style of play, getting the ball forward and into the attacking third of the field. They always seemed to have an answering play to stop our attack.

"But we didn't back down. We kept coming at them with every attack we could muster. I even think we caught them off guard with our aggressive play. We fought until Mater Dei scored 23 minutes into the first half. They followed it up with a second goal 10 minutes later.

"But we showed a lot of heart and pride, digging down deep to battle the never-ending waves of Mater Dei's attack. With three starters on the bench, we went into the second half with confidence and luster. We had to shuffle and move players around also adding junior varsity players into the mix.

"We held them scoreless until 6:12 in the second half. Off a freak play of a deflection, Breese found its third and final goal. I couldn't be any prouder of my players tonight. We showed huge character and will with the oppenent we faced."

Altamont had two shots, one on goal and Sam Childerson had 18 saves. Mater Dei had 40 shots, 21 on goal and one save.