By Baxter Colburn
The Algoma Wolves took care of business in their first conference match of the 2017 soccer season. Senior Dillion Dean of Algoma converted the game’s first goal from the penalty spot in the 16th minute. Nine minutes later, sophomore Riley Reinhardt found a pocket of space to bend his right-footed shot into the far post from 20-yards out. Gibraltar/Sevastopol saw only one real scoring chance in the 42nd minute, but the shot from Kiegan Sargent sprayed just wide.
A minute before halftime saw tragedy strike against the Wolves. Senior forward Eric Arvizu crashed to the ground holding his knee and was forced to leave the game. Trainers first thought his MCL was torn, but no official word emerged following the match. Arvizu missed all last season with a similar injury in his right knee. Algoma carried a 2-0 led into the halftime break.
The second half saw a lot of back and forth play from each side. Both schools exchanged several shots on target, but neither succeed in finding the back of the net. Finally, in the 83rd minute, Gibraltar/Sevastopol capitalized on a loose ball in the box and Hayden Hoffman struck from close range. The match finished 2-1 in favor of Algoma.
“I’m glad we pulled the win out. We are replacing a lot from last year. We had some good moments and some bad moments” said Wolves coach Brian Dawson following the match.
Both schools return to the field this coming Monday. Algoma hosts Freedom at 4:30, while Gibraltar/Sevastopol welcome Manitowoc Lincoln at 6:30.
Comments