Several Kings Knights players were awarded post-season honors as a result of their play in 2011. The following players received All-FAVC honors: Leo Mesones, senior midfielder and 1st Team FAVC; Garrett Householder, junior midfielder and 1st team FAVC; Max Burkert, senior midfielder and 2nd team FAVC; Brandon Coughlin, junior defender and honorable mention FAVC. Kings Sports MVP: senior Max Burkert and The Red, White & Blue award: senior Nathan Meyer. And Garrett Householder was voted to the first team Southwest Ohio.
A full write up of the game is coming soon. In the meantime, listen to Alec Paulson’s comments that were captured shortly after the match.
Logan Kirby was the TOOT's Player of the Game
October 1, 2011–The JV Knights got back on track Saturday night with 2-0 shutout over FAVC rivals Anderson. The Knights, shutout 3-0 Thursday at Walnut Hills on Thursday, put together one of their best performances of the season to improve their record to 8-6-0. Goalkeeper Robby Frye and his rock solid defense, consisting of the usual crew of Juan Romo, Kris Hacker, Nick Guiliano and Alex Brammer, recorded the team’s sixth shutout of the season. Ben Dreikosen tallied twice for the Knights, scoring his ninth and tenth goals of the campaign.
The match looked to be fairly even in the first twenty-five minutes on this windy and unpleasantly cold evening. The Knights had looked the more dangerous scoring threat, however, and this was proven with the opening goal of the match. Sophomore Pierson D’Enbeau put Dreikosen through and the freshman did the rest of the work, sliding the ball past the Anderson keeper to make it 1-0. The Knights held tight to the lead and head into halftime.
The Knights continued their excellent play in the second half. The defense shut down any real attacks Anderson threw their way, and they were able to begin attacks from the back. The hosts were rewarded for the strong play with a second goal—another nice pass, this time from freshman Cater Mott, set up Dreikosen for his second of the night. This sealed the win for the Knights, giving them a winning record at home for the season (5-4-0). Freshman Logan Kirby, who worked hard all evening and created a number of dangerous scoring threats, was the TOOT’s Player of the Game.
The Knights (8-6-0) will look to guarantee a winning season on Wednesday night, when they travel to Milford. The game will begin at 7 pm.
Starters:
GK: Frye
DEF: Brammer, Guiliano, Hacker, Romo
MID: Kratz, Paulsen, D’Enbeau, Woeste
FWD: Dreikosen, Guerriero
Zach Guerriero TOOT's Player of the Game
September 27, 2011-The Kings JV squad defeated the Springboro Panthers on Tuesday night 2-0. Goals from Zack Guerriero and Alex Brammer sealed the win for the Knights, picking up their seventh victory of the season. Goalkeeper Liam O’Day, and his solid defense, recorded the team’s fifth shutout of the season.
The Knights were dominant all evening, scoring very early on and never looking back. Sophomore midfielder Guerriero (TOOT’s Player of the Game) was active all night, most notably when he slotted the opening goal away in the twelfth minute. The Knights kept up the pressure and were rewarded with eight minutes to go in the half when sophomore fullback Juan Romo found fellow defender, Brammer, in the box. Brammer settled the ball nicely, had a look up and left-footed the ball past the goalkeeper. This was Brammer’s first goal of the season, as well as his high school career.
The Knights looked for more in the second half, but to no avail. With injuries piling up on the bench, the Knights only had twelve field players at their disposal. Nevertheless, the hosts shutout their opponent and won the match handily.
The Knights (7-5-0) will look to continue their positive play on Thursday night when they travel to Walnut Hills. Kickoff at 6 pm.
Starters:
GK: O’Day
DEF: Romo, Guiliano, Hacker, Brammer
MID: Kratz, Paulsen, D’Enbeau, Guerriero
FWD: Dreikosen, Maier
The Knights would double their lead 15 minutes into the second half on a superb strike from Paulsen, his third of the season. The Knights would keep their lead, and the shutout, in tact for most of the second half. After a mistake at the back, the Warriors would get on the board to make it 2-1, but the Knights showed their will to win and shut down any late attacks the Warriors try to muster. The combination of Kris Hacker and Nick Guiliano stymied the hosts’ attempts in the last few minutes and sealed the victory for the Knights.
The Knights (6-5-0) will welcome in the Springboro Panthers on Tuesday, hoping get their record two games above .500 for the first time this season. Kickoff will be at 5 pm.
**Starters:
FWD: Dreikosen, Kirby
MID: Kratz, Paulsen, D’Enbeau, Guerriero
DEF: Brammer, Guiliano, Hacker, Romo
GK: Frye
The Knights were dominant on Thursday evening, possessing the ball at will against the traveling Wildcats. The ball was in the Knights’ attacking half for the majority of the evening,
but it took some time before they could find the net. After a number of decent chances flew by the wayside, the Knights finally got on the board with a magnificent strike from junior Alec Paulson. The captain sent a left-footed screamer into the upper left corner of the net, sending the Knights into halftime with a lead; one in which they would not relinquish.
The second half was nearly a carbon copy of the first, with the hosts passing with ease, switching the ball from flank to flank. Still, though, the Harrison defense, which was able to squash the hosts’ attempts at goal all evening, continued to frustrate the Knights in front of goal. The Knights were given a chance to double their lead midway through the half when a Harrison defender absentmindedly handled the ball in the box, conceding a penalty. Kris Hacker, who slotted away a PK on Saturday, stepped up to the spot to try and repeat this feat, but the Harrison keeper stoned him, keeping the game at 1-0.
Finally, with ten minutes remaining, the Knights got their insurance goal, after freshman Ben Dreikosen scored directly from a free kick, some twenty yards away. This was Dreikosen’s
seventh of the season, and Paulson’s earlier strike was his second, respectively.
The Knights (5-4-0) will try to keep their current form on Thursday, hosting Turpin at 5 pm. It is the annual “Jam the Stands” night, so all fans are encouraged to come out and support your
Knights to take down the Spartans!
Starters:
GK: Frye
DEF: Romo, Hacker, Guiliano, Brammer
MID: Kratz, Paulsen, D’Enbeau, Guerriero,
FWD: Maier, Dreikosen
The Kings JV squad got back to their winning ways on Saturday evening when they shut out the Little Miami Panthers 3-0. Freshman forward Ben Dreikosen (TOOT’s Player of the Game) tallied his fifth and sixth goals of the season, while sophomore center back Kris Hacker slotted away a penalty for his first of the year. Sophomore Robby Frye and freshman Liam O’Day combined for their third shutout of the season.
The Knights started the match playing well, building up attacks and creating numerous chances. Despite missing a chance from the penalty spot earlier in the match, sophomore Zach Guerriero assisted Dreikosen nicely to put the Knights up 1-0 about fifteen minutes into the half. This Knights would stray from their game of pass-and-move for a more direct approach to push forward, resulting in a lack of real chances the rest of the half.
The second half was a different story, with the Knights constantly attacking by using the width of the field. Sophomore Pierson D’Enbeau and junior Alec Paulson controlled the midfield, switch the ball from flank to flank. This excellent ball movement resulted in another goal from Dreikson, and would also draw another PK, after the Panthers fouled in the box. Hacker stepped up and properly disposed of the chance, putting the Knights up a field goal with twenty minutes left. The Knights, though they continued to push for a fourth, would have to settle for the 3-0 score line.
The Knights will have another three-game week this upcoming week, kicking off with Harrison at home on Tuesday. Kickoff will be at 5:00 pm.
Starters:
GK: Frye
DEF: Brammer, Guiliano, Hacker, Romo
MID: Kratz, Paulson, D’Enbeau, Guerriero
FWD: Dreikosen, Maier
Hear Pierson D’Enbeau’s comments captured shortly after the completion of the match:
Eric Maier-Toot's POG
After an exciting victory away to Winton Woods on Tuesday, the Kings JV squad were handed a tough loss on Thursday by the Tippecanoe Red Devils. The Knights played one of their best halves of soccer this season in the first frame, but conceded a goal with twenty-seven seconds before the halftime whistle. The game would end 3-0.
The Knights came out looking very sharp, connecting passes, making runs and getting decent chances on goal. The first half flew by, with both teams playing great soccer at both ends of the pitch. Each squad built up a number of threats, with the Knights’ most glaring coming just minutes before the half. Forward Ben Dreikosen was one on one with the keeper, but the man with the gloves guessed right and stoned the young forward’s attempt. The Red Devils quickly countered and blew through the Knights’ recovering defense, finding the net with less than a minute to go in the half.
The Knights came out of the locker room confident they would be able to fight back and tie, if not win, the match. Unfortunately it was not to be. About ten minutes into the second frame, the visitors would score again, lifting their advantage to 2-0. The visitors would never look back, tallying again before the night’s end.
The Knights will feel this score is not a true reflection of the way the evening went, but all credit is due to the central Buckeye Conference representatives who made the most of their scoring chances. On a side note, Eric Maier was the TOOT’s Player of the Game. Eric’s work rate was second to none, playing aggressively and technically sound all evening.
The Knights (3-4-0) will try to recover from this unlucky result Saturday when they will travel to Little Miami. The game time will be at 3 p.m.
STARTERS:
GK: Frye
DEF: Brammer, Guiliano, Hacker, Romo
MID: Guerriero, Paulson, D’Enbeau, Kratz
FWD: Dreikosen, Maier
The Kings JV Knights traveled to Winton Woods Tuesday night to get their first away win of the season. A late goal by freshman Ben Dreikosen was the difference for the Knights who, after starting off very slowly, looked very strong in the second half. This win came on the heels of a tough loss last Tuesday (Sept. 6th) to Bishop-Fenwick, where the Knights were shut out 4-0*.
It took a few minutes the Knights to shake the cobwebs after being off for a week. Captain Alec Paulson did his best to awaken the squad with a thunderbolt into the back off the net, putting the Knights up 1-0 after about fifteen minutes. The Warriors pieced together one scoring chance the entire half and made the most of it, launching a long ball into the box which the defense could not properly clear. The Warriors would slot the ball past sophomore goalkeeper Robby Frye, knotting the match 1-1 ten minutes before the half.
After a mediocre first half, the Knights looked inspired in the second. The visitors played a simple yet effective game of possession against the Warriors; although, until the final five minutes it look as if the game may end as a draw. After a number of decent attacks led to a variety of chances, spearheaded by forwards Dreikosen, Eric Maier and Logan Kirby, the Knights finally broke through on Dreikosen’s finish across the diving keeper. Central midfielders Paulson and Pierson D’Enbeau pulled the strings for the Knights, finding the open men on the attacks. It should also be noted that the defense, consisting of juniors Nick Guiliano and Alex Brammer, and sophomores Kris Hacker (TOOT’s Player of the Game) and Juan Romo, played a solid game squandering any attack the hosts threw their way.
The Knights (3-3) will host the Red Devils of Tippecanoe on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Starters:
GK: Frye
DEF: Guiliano, Hacker, Romo, Brammer
MID: Guerriero, Woeste, Ventura, Mott
FWD: Maier, Dreikosen
* The Knights shut out Bishop-Fenwick through the first thirty minutes, but after getting on the board just before halftime, the hosts were the better squad. They would tally three more in the second half, and scrape the woodwork twice. The Knights just did not have it on this night, but full credit is due to Fenwick, who had a very strong squad.
Hear Kris Hacker’s post-game comments:
Paulson-TOOT'S POG
Thursday, September 1, 2011–The Kings JV squad was taught a difficult lesson last Thursday night—if you don’t come ready to play from the first whistle, you may not recover. The Knights played well for the majority of the 72 minutes against the Loveland Tigers, but a slow start left them in a 1-0 hole, from which they were unable to recuperate.
The Knights came into the match with their confidence riding high, coming off the heels of two solid victories. In these two matches, the Knights had shut out they’re opponents 5-0 collectively, but on this night, the streak would end. Six minutes in, the Tigers scored, beating goalkeeper Danny Merz with a decent strike into the side netting. For the rest of the half, the Knights attempted to square the play of the visitors, but to no avail. Halftime score: 1-0.
The hosts came out with a newfound energy, keeping the ball in their half for the majority of the opening minutes. Attempts by freshmen Ben Dreikosen and Eric Maier shook up the opposing keeper, but the Knights could not find the net. This trend would continue for the Knights until full-time—controlling the ball, as well as the game, but unable to score. In fact, the defense did not allow a shot on goal in the second half, but the offense was unable to finish any attacks. The game would end 1-0.
The two strongest players for the Knights were the outside fullbacks, juniors Alex Brammer and midfielder-turned-fullback captain Alec Paulson. Paulson is the choice for the TOOT’s Player of the Game.
The Knights will try to return to their winning ways Tuesday night as they will travel to Bishop-Fenwick for their first away match of the season. Kickoff will be at 5:00.
Starters:
GK: Merz
DEF: Brammer, Hacker, Guiliano, Romo
MF: Woeste, Maier, Paulson, Kratz
FWD: Kirby, Dreikosen
Dreikosen-Toot's POG
The Kings Junior Varsity blanked the Northwest Knights Monday evening 2-0 to get their second win in as many games. Junior goalkeeper Danny Merz and fellow goalkeeping partner freshman Liam O’Day combined for the clean sheet, though the defense did most of the work this time out. The keepers touched the ball only sparingly, as Northwest was unable to muster a single scoring threat. Freshmen strikers Ben Dreikosen (TOOT’s Player of the Game) and Logan Kirby tallied for the home team.
The Knights impressed straight from the opening whistle to accomplish their pre-game plan: possess the ball, spread the field and play aggressively. All three of which were achieved, but the most obvious was their ability to possess the ball. Kings was able to work the ball through the central midfield, which was occupied by Eric Maier, Alec Paulson, Pierson D’Enbeau, Zach Guerriero, Kris Hacker and Ben Dreikosen, all at different points in the evening.
Though they were able to have the ball for the majority of the first half, the hosts were unable to beat the Northwest goalkeeper, who proved to be a worthy adversary on the evening. Kings went into the half deadlocked 0-0, but were able to go up on the visiting Knights with about 18 minutes left. Ben Dreikosen, who scored for the second time in as many games, found the back of the net on a superb strike to beat the diving keeper.
Logan Kirby, who had been unlucky not to score in the two previous matches, finally got his name in the Kings’ books, as he coolly squeezed the ball past the near post, with about 8 minutes remaining. On the other end, the Kings’ defenders, who were licking their chops to get forward all evening, played their part well, keeping the visitors from building any kind of threat. Junior Alex Brammer and sophomore Juan Romo ran up and down the flanks all evening from their outside-back position to keep the pressure high.
The Knights (2-1-0) will take on Loveland at home Thursday evening, seeking their 3rd consecutive win. The game will kickoff at 5:00 pm.
Starters:
FWD: Dreikosen, Kirby
MF: Guerriero, D’Enbeau, Kratz, Paulson
DEF: Brammer, Guiliano, Hacker, Romo
GK: Merz
The Knights came out like they had something to prove Saturday evening, possessing the ball and attacking the net straight from the opening kick. Dreikosen and his striking partner Logan Kirby showed they were in the mood for goals, creating multiple chances in the opening ten minutes, but were unable to convert any of the chances. It took a substitute to get the Knights on the board, with Maier coming off the bench fifteen minutes in. He found space near the top of the box and whipped the ball past the goalkeeper into the side netting.
Five minutes later, the Knights were awarded a corner after putting continued pressure on the Braves’ defense. Maier sent a ball in and Guiliano connected on a header, putting the Knights up by two. About five minutes before the half, Dreikosen, who had shown a nose for goal all half, finally got his well-deserved goal—a strong strike across the diving goalkeeper, pushing the lead to 3-0.
The Knights came out in the second half with plenty of scoring chances, but were unable to put any away. Goalkeepers Danny Merz and Liam O’Day combined for the shut-out, each in the net for one half respectively. The Knights’ defense looked strong all night, and they were also able to possess the ball much better than they had in the opener against LaSalle. They will try to repeat both of these feats Monday night as they will welcome in Northwest. Kickoff will be at 5:00 as usual.
Starters
FWD: Dreikosen, Kirby
MF: Guerriero, D’Enbeau, Paulson, Kratz
DEF: Brammer, Hacker, Guiliano, Romo
GK: Merz
Hear Nick Guiliano’s postgame interview:
The Lancers came off the bus ready to play, opening up the scoring within the first five minutes of the match. Junior goalkeeper Danny Merz and the Knights’ defense were unable to stop the opposing forward, who coolly slid the ball into the side netting after an impressive run. The hosts gathered their composure after this early strike, but, unable to find an equalizer, went into halftime trailing 1-0.
The Knights came out of the interval with full intention of fighting back and evening up the score, but the Lancers were unwilling to allow it. The visitors increased their lead to 2-0 after the Knights had pushed forward in attack. The finish was again slotted into the corner nicely past the diving Merz. Though the defense was penetrated twice on the evening, Merz and his defense thwarted many attacks from the Lancers to keep the Knights in the match. Unluckily, a goal wasn’t in the cards for the hosts.
The Knights’ best player on the pitch was junior Alex Brammer, but was closely followed by his co-defender junior Nick Guiliano, who is new to the backline this season and is showing tremendous early strides. Sophomore Juan Romo left the game early with a groin injury, and sophomore Nick Kratz and freshman Adam Woeste stepped in nicely to help the defense, which was in need of numbers.
The Knights will be back on the field Saturday evening to host Talawanda at 5:00.
Starters:
FWD: Mott, Maier
MF: Kratz, D’Enbeau, Paulson, Woeste
DEF: Brammer, Hacker, Guiliano, Guerriero
GK: Merz
August 18, 2011–The JV Knights defeated Colerain High School on Thursday morning with a score of 1-0 to finish their preseason with a record of 1-1-1. Sophomore Zach Guerriero, the Knights’ leading scorer last season, netted for the home team. Goalkeepers Danny Merz and Liam O’Day combined for the shutout, with plenty of help from their well-organized back line of defenders.
The Knights came out looking strong from the beginning, with freshmen forwards Eric Maier and Carter Mott combining for some well-worked attacks. Though the Knights possessed the ball for the majority of the half they were unable to finish any opportunities. They would head into half time knotted at 0-0.
The second frame seemed to to be more of the same, with the Knights creating a number of quality chances in their offensive third. Sophomore Nick Kratz and freshman Logan Kirby, who would later leave with a shoulder injury, sent in a number of ball into the box but were unable to find a target. Finally with fifteen minutes left in the match, the Knights scored on a scrappy goal by Guerriero, resulting from a corner kick which the Cardinal defense was unable to handle. The final fifteen minutes was all Kings, but they were unable to add to their lead.
Overall, it was a solid performance by the Knights, certainly their best of the preseason and should give them confidence heading into the regular season. They will open play Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m where they will host LaSalle.
Hear Coach Mount’s comments:
The Kings Knights JV squad took their home turf for the first time this summer, welcoming Dayton-Carroll for a pre-season scrimmage. Though the Knights shutout the visitors for the first three quarters of the match, they eventually fell 3-0.
The Knights, fresh off a 1-1 draw at Ross Thursday night, came out prepared to defend against the visitors on Tuesday. The Patriot came out firing against junior goalkeeper Danny Merz, but time after time Merz was equal to the challenge. Midway though the half, Carroll was awarded a penalty shot after one of the Knights was whistled for handling in the box. Though it seemed likely the shutout would be lost, Merz guess right on the penalty and pushed the shot wide, triggering a roar from the crowd. The Knights were fortunate going into the half tied 0-0, though they certainly fought hard enough to be in such a tight match.
However, the second half was not met with such fortune. With about 18 minutes left in the half, the Patriot chalked one up on the scoreboard, after a mix-up on a set piece. The visitors would tally twice more before the end of the night, but it should be mentioned there were plenty of saves from Merz, and his co-goalkeeper, freshman Liam O’Day. The Knights showed real heart competing with their bigger, more athletic opponents, but unfortunately they’ll have to wait until Thursday morning to try it again. They will welcome in Colerain at 9:00 a.m.