Penalty shots help Wood River pass Preston
With strong play in the second half, the Wood River boys? soccer team defeated the Preston Indians at the South Valley Sports Complex Saturday.
On a sultry sunny afternoon, the Wolverines (3-0-1) prevailed 3-1 getting all three goals from junior Audie McCann.
McCann converted a penalty kick in the opening half to put the Wolverines up 1-0, but coach Farrell Swain was not particularly happy with her team?s play.
?I think we were a little intimidated by their size and aggressiveness in the first half,? Swain said.
?Our forwards were out of the picture, our halfbacks weren?t holding the middle and our defense was scattered. But the second half was so much better than first,?
Wood River held its own in the second stanza, outshooting the Indians 12-4.
Preston equalized on a penalty kick at the 16-minute mark. Wolverine keeper Kristian Timmons made a fabulous diving save on the first shot, but could not stop the rebound attempt.
?It was the best I have seen Kristian play,? Swain remarked. ?He?s back and playing great.?
The foul call was against McCann, but, ironically, just 49 seconds later he got a shot at redemption on yet another penalty kick and iced it to put the Wolverines on top 2-1.
Timmons netted a rare goalie assist in the 39th minute lofting a punt to McCann who put it up and over the opposing keeper?s head for a 3-1 final.
?It was sweet,? Swain said. ?It did not go our way in the first half, but we bounced back for the win.?
Wood River hosted Jerome in league action Tuesday. Wood River is home to Century on Thursday. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. at the South Valley Sports Complex.
