Local Sports

Knights rally past Erie

RUSSELL -- The Eisenhower boys soccer team had to come from behind to defeat the Erie Royals 3-2 in nonregion play on Saturday.

In a tight defensive battle for both teams the Royals struck first when Gayle Kayembe connected on a shot with 11 minutes remaining in the first half to put his team up 1-0.

Eisenhower goalie Gavin Haight had a busy game as the Royals outshot the Knights 17-3. Kayembe connected again 10 minutes into the second half to give his team the 2-0 advantage.

The Knights faced a fast, well disciplined Erie team that kept the ball away from them for most of the second half.

It was senior recognition day for the Knights and a pair of seniors made sure it was a game to celebrate as Rever Caudill scored on a penalty kick to put Eisenhower on the board and cut the Erie lead in half 2-1.

Caudill was not done yet as he connected on a kick to the right corner of the net four minutes later to tie the score at 2-2.

With the clock winding down, it was Eisenhower senior Mason Degnan's turn to score as he took a pass from Caudill and connected on a shot to put the Knights up 3-2, which held up for the final score.

"It was a well fought win," Eisenhower head coach Michael Taylor said about the win. "I am impressed with the team, they never gave up and battled the entire game. I just want to give a shout out to our seniors, Mason Degnan, Rever Caudill, Keaton Destro, Carsyn Branstrom, Easton Fitzgerald, Michael Rutsky and Isaiah Reagle for all their contributions to our program, we will miss them. I'd also like to give a shout out to the referee for the game, he worked it by himself and did an outstanding job."

The Knights are back in action today at home for a 4 p.m. non-region game against Clarion.