Kings Men's Soccer

The Men’s Junior High Soccer Team produced a reversed  result yesterday in a home match at Landen Park against Mariemont, avenging a 3-0 defeat a week and a half ago at Mariemont.

Sam Flere and Jordan Cole tallied first half goals which were the result of much improved possession in this match.

The midfield  exhibited a much better trap and pass to feet game and the defense held off a continual pressure attack by Mariemont who took advantage of hot weather and the availability of 35 players (as they did in the first match). 

Eric Maier recorded a clean sheet in his very first game as Goalkeeper thanks to defensive support by Matt Tracey, Erek Watson, Brenden Ventura, David Lehn and Darren Stanford.

Kings takes a 2-5 record into Tuesday’s home fixture against CHCA (at Minard Park) for the second leg of this home and away series.  Kings prevailed 5-0 in the first leg.

The Junior High Soccer team started the season on Thursday with a 5-0 win over CHCA. The Knights started quickly  with a goal by Eric Maier. A few minutes later Eric scored again on a breakaway through the middle of the field. Ben Ingling had a goal before the end of the first half. The second half started with a goal again by Ben. The defense including Matt Tracey, Darren Stanford and Brenden Ventura, held strong to keep CHCA scoreless along with a shutout performance by keeper Liam O’Day. The scoring attack ended with a goal by David Lehn late in the second half when he out ran the defense to put the ball in the back of the net.

On Saturday the Knights fell behind early to Walnut Hills on a penalty kick.WH scored again just inside the box to quickly go up 2-0. Kings kept the pressure on Walnut Hills. David Lehn headed the ball to the back of the net on a corner kick by Eric Maier to end the first half at 2-1. In  the second half the Knights scored early with great passing and a breakaway by Eric Maier which tied the game at 2-2. But Kings could not hold off the constant offensive attack by WH. The Knights lost a close one 3-2.
 
The season continues on Tuesday against Hamilton.

This year was the first time Kings Jr High sent a representative to battle on the soccer field. Though we ended the season with an unfavorable win/loss record, Kings Jr High showed remarkable character and fore- warned opponents of things to come.

Every single player, some with limited playing time, left their heart and soul on the pitch for Kings. The committment, desire and work these boys put into the season has left a benchmark future players will be challenged to compete with.

As coach of these boys I thank them for the opportunity they allowed me. I wish the best of luck for those that are going into high school. For those that will return next year prepare yourselves, there are schools out there to conquer, and an ax to grind against those that invaded our kindgom and defeated us.

I would like to thank the parents of this team. You were WONDERFUL. Your vocal support was unmatched. Finally special thanks to Birgitt Hacker and Beth Minotti. You made this program possible. I can coach, which is the easy part. You guys did everything else…..The hard stuff. Coach Laverde

After getting a slow start with a schooling from the Walnut Hills Jr High Eagles (3-1), Kings Jr High soccer team has surely improved and is definitely looking to become a soccer program to be reckoned with in the future.

The sobering experience at Walnut Hills motivated the players to literally take out their frustrations on their next foe, the Talawanda Jr High Braves. This was a team that lived up to it’s name and was determined not to allow anyone to score on them at home. Thus a 0-0 outcome.

Kings following opponents were the “Hawks” from Fairborn Jr High. Having been delayed by more than 45 minutes due to traffic caused by the John McCain/Sarah Palin rally in Lebanon, the birds didn’t know what hit them when the game finally started. The Knights caged the Hawks with suffocating pressure and determination, winning the game soundly with a 3-0 score.

Special thanks goes to our “Home Fans” who made Landen Park a formidable place for any adversary to play in.

West Carrollton Jr High is where our most recent game was played at. The Pirates, as they are known, were the the toughest opponent that Kings has faced so far. The Pirates where definitely a handful – a quick, strong and very decisive team. The game was played on a pitch that was soft and high,making legs heavy and passing the ball difficult.  Fortunately the Knights were able to fend off the wild-eyed Buccaneers and save a 2-2 tie by the width of their swords.