Bulldogs Advance to Soccer Sectional Championship

Effingham St. Anthony High School will be competing for the Class 1A Altamont Soccer Sectional championship. The Bulldogs handed Pleasant PLains a 2-0 loss Tuesday evening.

"Wow, where do I begin," said St. Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "What a beautiful day today for a soccer sectional game. We traveled to Altamont to play host to the Pleasant Plains Cardinals. Going into the game we didn't know a lot about Plains and their soccer program. We have stayed on track the last few days coming into this game, staying focused and worrying only about us coming mentally prepared and physically prepared. I told them, all they needed to do was come to play their hardest and they would leave successful.

"We started out the game with nothing but fire in our eyes. Right away we turned up into high gear and let it go. Plains kicked the ball out of bounds on their defensive side. James Kabbes stepped up to throw the ball in. He launched the ball half away across the field to find a scramble of guys ready to put it in. Ryan Kruger tracked it down and lasered the ball with his head right past the goalie and we were up 1-0 with less than three minutes of game played.

"We made a statement and they were ready to play. We continued to pressure Plains over and over, peppering the goalie. With four minutes left in the game, Ryan dribbled the ball down the side of the field putting it across the field to find Moises Lemus to settle the ball and place the ball in the back of the net. That put us up 2-0 right before halftime.

"At the half, I reminded the boys how easily our lead could go away and how strong Plains was going to come out. We came out at in the second half and were ready to play. We played the middle all night long, continuing to pressure the defense. Plains switched out their keeper, bringing him to forward. He played very well and gave them some good opportunities. But Plains was to come up short as the game ended and we won 2-0."

St. Anthony had 15 shots on goalto Plains seven shots. Nick Grunloh, keeper for the Bulldogs, had 10 recored saves.

"We did a great job and I am very proud of them," commented Morales. "We have done the unthinkable and we will be ready for the next game."

St.Anthony improved to 21-2-1 and plays Beardstown for the sectional championship Friday night.

"We have now entered the Sweet 16," said Morales. "Best of luck and we hope to see everyone at the game. Thanks to everyone for their support of our soccer team and program."

Beardstown blanked Hillsboro 4-0. The two squads square off at 6:30 p.m. for the sectional title. The match will be held behind Altamont Grade School inside the track. Admission, set by the Illinois High School Association, will be $5 for everyone.

At Effingham

Quincy Notre Dame bounced Olney 7-0 in the Class 2A Effingham Regional Tuesday.

Quincy Notre Dame will now face either Jerseyville Jersey or Highland for the sectional championship Friday. Jerseyville and Highland play today.