St. A Hands Altamont Soccer Loss, EHS Plays to Tie

Effingham St. Anthony had to hold off a tough Altamont team in taking a 1-0 soccer victory Tuesday evening.

"Deep into the month of September and we are still having some serious humid evenings," said St. Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "It was a hot one today as we hosted Altamont. Going into the match we knew Altamont was going to be a tough team, so we prepared for what was going to be a dog fight.

"Altamont came out the first 15 minutes with a strong force behind them. About 10 minutes in Joe Stone cranked one from nearly 25 feet out just hitting the side post and missing the first opportunity to go up. Ryan Kruger would also have his fair share of opportunities taking his shots and also nearly missing.  Twenty-five minutes in Ryan had a breakaway down the right side having a perfect opportunity to score, and he lets one off opposite of Sam Childerson, but Sam reaches out with his long stride and was able to react quick enough to block his shot. The game ended at 0-0 at halftime

"Altamont played a very good first half, they outshot us and they were hungry. This is  what I told the boys in the huddle, lets come out in the second half and get hungrier. Just four minutes into the second half, the ball goes out giving us a corner kick.  Donovan Hammer took the kick and cut it near post beating the keeperand just getting a glove on it, but still finding the net and we were up 1-0. We continued to pressure the keeper and try to get another goal but continued to put the ball over the goal.

"Altamont attempted another run, getting four close calls, but our keeper Alex Beesley came through. We finished with two corner kicks, and attempts. This was a game that was played by two great teams.  My hat is off to Altamont, they were prepared and played absolutely great. Coach Walton has turned his team around this year and Altamont will be a definte threat as the post season gets closer."

St. Anthony is now 10-0-3 on the season and travels to Newton Thursday for the first road game in 16 days. St. Anthony and Altamont's junior varsity played to a 1-1 tie.

At Effingham

Effingham played Taylorville to a 3-3 tie.

"It was an exciting game," said EHS Coach Lee Althoff.

Tyalorville's Merker scored first at the 13 minute mark. Effingham's Alessandro connected for a goal to tie the score at the 35 minute mark and that's where it would stand at the half.

In the second half, the Tornadoes scored back-to-back goals to move up 3-1. Collado connected at the four minute mark and Williams at 15 minutes.

The Hearts' Cooper Jackson scored with 18 minutes on the clock and Danny Hortenstine tied the score with 29 minutes.