HC soccer competes in first home match

With a packed student section crowded inside the Devils’ Den last Wednesday night, fans and spectators alike experienced a positive result in the home opener of the new season. In a high scoring contest between two skilled offensive teams, HC defeated a North Oldham opponent 4-3, despite playing a man down in the second half. 

Midfielder Henry Macfarlan looks to start up the offense for HC.
Midfielder Henry Macfarlan looks to start up the offense for HC.

As the season commences, HC is now undefeated, earning a 4th place ranking in the state. Their impressive record of six wins and zero losses includes a 4-0 victory over Bowling Green as well as a 3-0 victory over rival Tates Creek the following evening. 

The Blue Devils knew the win wouldn’t come easy, as they faced up against 10th ranked North Oldham in a top ten matchup. The game went back and forth, as the Blue Devils sought revenge for their previous season’s defeat. 

HC defender Will Sweeney puts high pressure on North Oldham.
HC defender Will Sweeney puts high pressure on North Oldham.

The match featured two of the fastest offensive teams in the state, and was as a consequence, high-paced from start to finish. HC senior Ethan MacGillivray converted an early penalty kick in the first half to put HC up 1-0. Minutes later North Oldham swiftly replied to tie the game at 1-1.

It didn’t take long until HC was back on top, as MacGillivray pocketed his second goal in the 25th minute to make the game 2-1. Just before the halftime buzzer, senior Phillip Allison netted another goal to make the score 3-1 heading into the half.

North Oldham fought back hard in the second half, and tied the game at 3-3 with only 18 minutes remaining. The game was a deadlock until senior Henry Macfarlan scored the game winner for HC.

In a physical matchup, multiple yellow cards were handed out respectively to both teams, and HC senior defender Matthew Kluemper received a red card late in the second half. 

HC celebrates after Ethan MacGillivray scores a PK, in their 4-3 victory over North Oldham.
HC celebrates after Ethan MacGillivray scores a PK in their 4-3 victory over North Oldham.

The HC team is full of senior leadership and lots of experience, and includes new coaching staff as Jason Behler begins his second season as head coach, along with new Assistant Coach Garrison Headley.

 

Behler was proud of the resilience his team showed, being able to pull out a win against 10th ranked North Oldham.

The Blue Devils are in action again on Tues. August 29th facing off against 3rd ranked Paul Laurence Dunbar.