Park comes back to edge Big Red, 2-1
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STEUBENVILLE – Scoring first is something soccer teams strive to do when they step out onto the pitch.
The Big Red boys’ soccer team were able to do just that against unbeaten Wheeling Park, however, the Patriots netted the final two goals to come away with a 2-1 victory Tuesday night on Reno Saccoccia Field inside historic Harding Stadium.
“We wanted to play solid in all phases of the game,” Big Red (6-2-1) head coach Greg Bowers said. “For the most part, we did that, but we just made a couple of mistakes and they were able to capitalize on them.”
The rivalry between Big Red and Wheeling Park has developed into one of the best in the OVAC.
“Our kids look forward to playing them,” Bowers said. “Most of the time, we see them now, and if everything goes right, we will see them again in the OVACs. They have gotten the best of us, but the games have been close.”
Junior Jackson Smith contributed the lone goal for the hosts off of an assist by freshman Teddy Gorman.
JJ Lamantia had a busy night in goal as the sophomore goalie made 12 saves.
Wade Barbour delivered the first goal for the visitors from Ohio County, while Isaac Welling tallied the second. Miles Rockey recorded an assist on Welling’s game-winning goal.
Jacob Robinson III recorded three saves in goal for the victors.
The Patriots (7-0-2) had some opportunities to strike first early in the game, however, Lamantia and the Big Red defense was up to the challenge and kept the Patriots off the scoreboard.
Big Red was eventually able to turn things in their favor when Smith found the back of the net to give the boys in red a 1-0 lead in the first half.
“We settled down,” Bowers said. “We were able to create a turnover. Landon (Bowers) got the ball and he sent to Gorman in space. He sent the ball in, and Jackson was there to knock it into the net. We need to create more chances like that.”
Down by a goal, the Patriots raised their level of play, and they were to find the back of the net a couple of times to secure the victory.
“They possessed the ball well,” Bowers said. “Their outside back did a good job. He played the ball to space. No. 2 (Rockey) played some nice balls. He had some nice crosses.”
Big Red is scheduled to play St. Clairsville at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at home.
“It’s another rivalry game,” Bowers said. “We don’t know how things are going to work out for the OVACs. It will be nice to get some points out of Thursday’s game.”
Wheeling Park is slated to play rival John Marshall at 6 p.m. Thursday on the road.