Eisenhower wrapped up its early non-league schedule Thursday with a commanding 5-0 victory over visiting Forest Area.
Andy Decker scored two of his game-high three goals in the opening 20 minutes of the match as the Knights were never seriously challenged. Both of Decker's first-half goals were unassisted off the dribble and the hosts led 2-0 at the half.
Ike continued scoring early in the second half when Josh Eernisse scored his second goal of the young season. Nearly 11 minutes into the second half, Eernisse took a through ball from Jake VanHouten and beat the Forest Area keeper to make it 3-0.
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Times Observer photo by Allen Seybert
Change of pace
Eisenhower’s Matt Eernisse, left, cuts back and changes direction as his Forest Area opponent tries to keep up during a boys soccer match Thursday at Eisenhower High School.
Eight minutes after that Decker scored his third unassisted goal of the match and Rocael Ramirez's first varsity goal rounded out Ike's scoring. Erik Daugharthy assisted on Ramirez's goal.
Goalkeeper Casey Vincent earned his second consecutive shutout.
"The defense was very stout today," said Ike coach Mike Decker. "We have two fast seniors in the back in Ben Perkins and Matt Eernisse that really do a great job. Cody McMillen and Graham Johnson also factored into a great defensive effort today."
Decker was able to play all 20 players in the team's final tuneup before league play begins next week.
The Knights (4-0) start with two of the toughest teams in their region. They visit Fairview Monday before traveling to Mercyhurst Prep Wednesday.