SOTI Boys Soccer Split First Two Games of Season
By Chris George
The SOTI boys soccer team opened the 2012 campaign by going 1-1 for the week. The first game pitted the Knights against the Severn Admirals, who are always a very tough and skilled team. The first half saw some great back and forth action, but Severn struck first on a fine shot from 20 yards out. SOTI was able to punch one in later in the half on a nice build up to knot the score at 1-1. The second half was again a tough battle and the Knight’s back line anchored by JR and keeper Braden Z. continued to thwart Severn’s attack. Late in the game Severn was able to take the lead on a close range shot. Midfielders Bijan and Kian O. along with forward Cameron L. tried to lead the comeback, but several well taken chances were denied, including one off the post. As time was running out, Paddy A., Connor B., and Tyler C. did their best to push forward for the tie, but Severn was able to counterattack and add another goal to make the final score 3-1.
The boys opened their home slate at Stine Field against Holy Trinity and were victorious 6-1 behind a total team effort. The Knights and Holy Trinity were deadlocked at 0-0 in the first half, but SOTI had the edge in play. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Clint S. fired home a shot into the left hand corner. Five minutes later Clint scored his second goal to give the Knights a 2-0 halftime lead.
The second half saw SOTI dominate as the defense and midfield took control. Defenders Owura B., JR, and Alex and Caleb B. were able to start the transition with tough tackling. Aggressive midfield play by Sean D. and Bijan and Kian O. allowed the Knights to continually press forward. The Clint S. show continued early in the second half has he notched goals 3 and 4 in the first nine minutes of the second half to make the score 4-0. Coaches Kofi Berko Jr., Mark Baldwin, and Joe Bradley were able to give SOTI’s young 6th grade contingent ample playing time late in the game and saw Tommy H., Robby K., Colin G., and Connor HR gave fine efforts. In the 37th minute, Alex W. made a great run through the defense and slid home goal number 5. After a Holy Trinity goal, Frankie C. closed out the scoring by outhustling the defense and netting his first career goal to make the final score 6-1.
The Knights continue the season with 2 games the week of September 17 — at home against Annapolis Area Christian School (Sept. 18) and away at the Key School (Sept. 19).
