The Warren Dragons suffered their first defeat of the season Saturday, falling to a strong Harbor Creek squad, 4-1, on a rain soaked War Memorial Field.
Warren found itself in a big hole early, allowing three Harbor Creek goals in the first 25 minutes of the game. After falling behind 1-0, the Dragons nearly tied it when Matt Sandberg hit a powerful header off the crossbar. Harbor Creek didn't waste any time in extending its lead, adding a second tally when a Husky dribbled past three Warren defenders and slotted a shot into the side netting. Minutes later, the team added a third goal off of a corner kick.
Sandberg had his second big chance of the game late in the first half and took full advantage of it, scoring the first Dragons goal on a pass from Phil Acula. It was Sandberg's third goal in as many games.
Article Photos
Times Observer photo by Jonathan McAfoos
All wet
Warren boys soccer player Tyler Mealy (29) tries to make a move on his Harbor Creek opponent during a District 10 boys soccer game Saturday at War Memorial Field. The Dragons tasted defeat for the first time in 2012 Saturday, suffering a 4-1 loss to the Huskies.
Despite having a few opportunities in the second half, the Dragons were unable to find the back of the net a second time and a fourth Huskies goal midway through the second half sealed Warren's fate.
"The first twenty minutes, we weren't running on all cylinders," said Warren coach Tom Harrington. "We were slow and sluggish and had some mental mistakes. Harbor Creek has a really good team and they came out and took it to us. Losing is never fun, but we have to take positives out of this. We need to find the things we didn't do well and improve on them in practice. This (match) will make us a better ballclub."
Liam Boger played outstanding for Warren and Harrington added that "Joseph Bell provided a lot of energy and Brandon Nielson did a nice job coming off the bench."
Warren (2-1) will look to get back in the win column Wednesday, when it travels to Mercyhurst Prep. The Dragons next home match is Saturday against Fairview.
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Eisenhower 6, Titusville 0
Jake VanHouten had his second hat trick of the season and Ben Perkins added two goals of his own during Eisenhower's dominating 6-0 victory over Titusville Saturday at Eisenhower High School.
"We created good scoring chances through possession as well as through increased defensive pressure," said Ike boys soccer coach Mike Decker.
Perkins started the scoring just under seven minutes into the match to put the Knights on top, 1-0. Not long after, Andy Decker assisted on the first of three goals by VanHouten as the Knights stretched the edge to 2-0.
Decker scored Eisenhower's third goal of the game later in the half and VanHouten's second tally of the afternoon made it 4-0 before intermission.
The second half was more of the same with VanHouten and Perkins each adding an additional goal to help the Knights move to 3-0 on the season. Eisenhower attempted 34 shots in the win with Titusville getting off just 10 shots. Casey Vincent earned the shutout in goal, saving all 10 Rocket attempts.
The Knights will host Forest Area on Thursday before opening league competition next week.