St. Anthony, Altamont Claim Soccer Victories

HARRISBURG -- Effingham St. Anthony High School traveled to Harrisburg and blanked the homestanders 7-0 in soccer action Monday.

"It was a long long drive to Harrisburg, but the weather was perfect for a couple games of soccer," said St. Anthony Coach Eric Morales. "After a long week rest of no games and just practices, we were ready for action and thirsty for another win. Right away we began to really work the ball and put the game into their favor.  Ryan Kruger started out the push with a nice breakaway toward the goal only to find his finish just wide. On the turnaround off the goal kick, Ryan tracked down the ball again and dashed his way to the goal for another shot, only to bounce it directly off the keeper's chest. But Ryan was able to track it back down and poke it back in off the rebound for our first goal 1-0.

"Just minutes later, Donovan Hammer also found himself on a breakaway, also finding the goalie's chest, but Alex Deters was right there to put the rebound goal right in. We continued to set the pace moving the ball at will, pressuring and pressuring the goalie, racking up 25 shots, 20 of which were on goal."

The Bulldogs closed out the half with another Kruger shot and a goalie block, but Kruger followed up his own shot for another Bulldog goal going up 3-0 before half.

"We came out in the second half even more fired up and ready for another half," said Coach Morales. "Shortly into the second half, Kruger took the ball all the way in for a nice goal opposite side of the goalie to put the Bulldogs up 4-0, making that a Hat Trick for Kruger. Six minutes later, Kruger got a nice through ball at midfield beating the defense and dribbled down right side beating the keeper but shot just shy of the goal. Moises Lemus followed right behind to poke the ball in for a 5-0 lead. Donovan Hammer later found himself with a breakaway of his own and found the back of the net for a 6-0 lead. To round out the night, Hammer was able to find the back of the net one more time to finish the onslaught of scoring with a 7-0 win.

"All three goalkeepers for us were able to see the field. Only Derek Kruger had one save. Our defense once again had a great showing only allowing Harrisburg two shots on goal all night. All-in-all we came to play today and it showed. I'm very proud of their hard work, dedication, especially after a long drive to the game and home."

The Bulldogs moved to 14-0-3 on the season.

At Altamont

Altamont High School scored only one goal but that was enough in a 1-0 win over Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran in soccer action Monday.

Jesus Flores tallied the lone goal for the Indians in the first half. Altamont had 39 shots, 14 on goal. Sam Childerson had nine saves. The Indians improved to 8-7-1 on the season.

CORL had 16 shots, nine on goal and 13 saves.

Altamont also nabbed the junior varsity match 4-0 to improve to 2-4-1.