Soccer gets big district victory: Pioneers down Blackman 1-0
The Warren County High School soccer team picked up an important 1-0 victory at home over Blackman Tuesday night, moving into third place in District 7-AAA with the win.
With the playing surface wet and slippery, the Pioneers held their ground and controlled much of the first half. Blackman attempted only two shots at goal in the first, and with 23:17 left on the clock the Pioneers struck when Totsura Kusunoki attacked the net and fired a shot just past Blackman’s goalie for the 1-0 lead.
Tough defense was played on both sides, but WCHS displayed the more aggressive play. The Pioneers took one more shot attempt before halftime but missed wide left and went in at the half up 1-0.
The second half turned into a very physical game. Both teams tried to take charge on the offensive end, but defense was the tone for the second half.
The Pioneers kept Blackman’s offense out of sync, and much of the second half was played at mid-field.
With time running off the clock, Blackman drove the ball downfield with 10:23 to go in the game. Blackman was awarded a penalty kick on a questionable call, and fired a low shot toward Pioneer goalie Matt George. But George stepped up to the challenge and dove to his right, keeping Blackman off the board and giving the Pioneers the victory.
“We keep getting better every game and the kids are playing as a team,” coach Charlie Hardee said. “Blackman is a very good ball team, and we knew we had to come out here and step up our game to have a chance to beat these guys.
“George had one of his better games tonight and gave us a big save on the PK. I’m very pleased with the way we are playing right now and we just have to stay focussed.”
The Pioneers had seven shots on goal while Blackman was held to five shots. WCHS improved to 4-9 overall and 3-2 in district play, and will host Oakland tonight to conclude the regular season. Junior varsity action tonight is set for 5 p.m., with the varsity game to follow at 7 p.m.