NEW HOPE — It came down to the final minutes for New Hope boys soccer on Monday night.
The Trojans’ 2-0 first-half lead vanished after a pair of goals from a resurgent North Pontotoc team, but they had the chance to win it in the final minute after winning a free kick.
The cross swung in behind the defense, going just over the head of Jared Ferraez, and bounced up for Jack Oswalt to shoot, but he couldn’t connect cleanly and the ball was sent just wide of goal.
A corner followed for the Trojans, but it was punched away by the Vikings goalkeeper, sealing a 2-2 draw between the sides.
“That’s a very good team we played, a quality team,” head coach Andrew Olsen said after the match. “We had our opportunities late to put it away, and we just didn’t capitalize. All we can do is learn from it and move on.”
The Trojans (3-1-1) certainly set up with the intention to attack, but the visitors used it to their advantage. North Pontotoc (2-1-1) pressed intensely in the middle of the field, looking to win the ball back and quickly spring counter attacks. An early goal from a penalty meant the Vikings were extra motivated to get back in the game after the opening minutes, and the Trojans defense had to deal with several quick attacking moves.
“They did a good job of hitting the back side,” Olsen said of the Vikings’ attack. “We did a good job picking up the runs in the first half, and then we let two slip on us in the second. We got caught, and they took advantage of it, so kudos to them. I thought overall the defense was good tonight. They stopped a lot of runs, and we had our opportunities as well. There were times we couldn’t hold the ball up and get into the attacking third, or find that final pass, but we can definitely learn from this match.”
It’s still early in the season, but the Trojans are motivated to build on a memorable 2021-22 campaign and playoff run. They suffered their first defeat of the season heading into Thanksgiving break and came back with intention by taking a 2-0 lead. They’ll be disappointed not to get the win, but it was a performance to build on.
The Trojans girls, on the other hand, had little trouble in their match. They came away 8-1 winners over the Vikings, quickly taking control of what started as a close match.
Roni Kate West opened the scoring for the Trojans just four minutes into the match, followed quickly by a Vikings equalizer. Level at 1-1, the Trojans went back on the attack, and while it took some work they managed to score twice before halftime with goals from Chelsea Teague and Brylee Smith.
They came out of the break looking to continue creating opportunities, and what followed was a five-goal performance to seal the win. West and Smith each scored again, followed by teammates Anna Claire Nabors, Angel Vaughn and Katie Hayes.
It was a masterclass in controlling the game from the Trojans, setting up with wide backs as well as wide forwards to overwhelm the opposition from the side before working the ball toward goal to create goal scoring chances. It’s worked well for them and helped in implementing the kind of play Olsen has seen them working on.
“They’ve definitely worked really hard,” he said. “We’ve focused on possession and playing out from the back, so give credit to them for putting in the work, and they’re reaping the benefits right now. We’ve got some tough matches ahead of us, though. We’ve got Caledonia on Saturday and Neshoba Central on Tuesday, so hopefully we can keep the momentum going into those games.”
Both Trojans teams will be in action on Saturday against Caledonia, with the girls kicking off at 11 a.m. followed by the boys at 1:30 p.m.
Other scores
Prep girls basketball
Sulligent (Ala.) 59, Caledonia 34
CALEDONIA — The Caledonia girls suffered a 59-34 loss to Sulligent (Alabama) on Monday.
Kara Sides had eight points for the Cavaliers. Cadie Wright added seven, and Ashia Williams had six.
Caledonia will host Lamar County (Alabama) at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Prep boys basketball
Caledonia 72, Sulligent (Ala.) 51
CALEDONIA — Caledonia took down Sulligent 72-51 at home on Monday.
Four players were in double figures for the Cavaliers. Quez Barker led the way with 17 points, while JD Dumas scored 16.
Cayden Epps had 12 points for Caledonia, and Tylen Simpson had 10.
The Cavs will tip off at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday against Lamar County.
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