Published on September 30, 2026 9:15 am
Last Updated on September 30, 2026 9:16 am
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond handed Effingham St. Anthony a 4-1 loss in soccer competition Tuesday.
“The score says Arthur 4, St. Anthony 1, but tonight felt like a very different game for our Dawgs,” said St. Anthony Coach Martin Reyes.
“Arthur scored just two minutes into the game and again at the 19-minute mark, but our team responded. We settled in, made adjustments, and held a very good Arthur team to just two goals in the first half while creating several great opportunities of our own.
“In the second half, Arthur scored again early, but our team didn’t quit.
“A great individual press from Joey LaSarge (JU) led to him winning the ball and putting it in the back of the net to get us on the board. From there, we continued to work, create opportunities, and fight for every ball. Arthur eventually added another goal with 11 minutes remaining, but our players continued to push until the final whistle.
“The biggest takeaway tonight wasn’t the score. It was the mental fortitude of this team.
“We’ve had a difficult season. We’ve dealt with injuries, young players learning new roles, and some tough results. But tonight, we saw something we’ve been working toward all season: the team starting to click. We played with confidence, created chances, responded to adversity, and continued to believe in what we’re doing.
“Our junior varsity team showed that same fight in their 30-minute game. Arthur scored first on a breakaway, but our players responded. Rucker Harris (FR) scored our first goal after receiving a great pass from Frank Scheidemantel (SR). Rucker found the net again, this time off a pass from Elijah Underbrink (FR), as our JV team continued to battle.
“We’re also starting to get players back from injuries, and we’re beginning to see the chemistry develop across the team.”
At Altamont
Altamont played host to Salem and fell by a 2-0 count Tuesday.
“We, much like many teams in the area, are supporting some major injury and player outs,” said Altamont Coach Eric Morales. “We went to-to-toe with Salem for most if not all of the first half. Back and forth challenge after challenge.
“Salem was able to break through on a shot that the keeper wasn’t able to hang on to and go between his legs, 1-0 before the halftime.
“The second half we came roaring back as they pressured many times, but just couldn’t find the back of the net as Salem keeper was on top of everything.
“Late in the second, Salem was able to put a cross through the middle to find the head of another Salem player to finish out the game 2-0 in favor of the Wildcats giving us our second loss in a row. We are now 9-4-2 on the season and will host a strong Centralia team for a pink-out game as we raise awareness for Mae’s Miracle.
“Come out and enjoy the Indians bake sale, raffle prizes and food with all proceeds going to Mae’s Miracle fund.”
At Newton
Teutopolis and Newton played to a 1-1 tie Tuesday.
Newton tallied its lone goal in the second half as Gus Niemerg scored.
Isaiah Lee had 19 keeper saves. There were 10 shots, four on goal.
Both the junior varsity and varsity T-town teams will be back in action Saturday against Breese Mater Dei for a 10 a.m. varsity start.