Kings Men's Soccer

September 1, 2011–The Kings Knights had high expectations going into tonight’s backyard battle against their FAVC East opponent, the Loveland Tigers.  The Tigers capitalized on some sloppy defending, and along with Kings’ inability to defend the Tigers’ free kicks, strolled to a 4-1 win in the league opener for each side.

The Tigers scored on free kicks at the 5, 15 and 24 minute marks in the first half.  Most of the first half the Knights were on their heels, defending an offensive attack that had three Tiger strikers adding pressure in the attacking third.  That pressure kept the Knights off balance and by the midpoint in the first half, Kings was down, 3-0.

The Knights missed a great opportunity when Max Burkert dribbled through a few Tiger defenders and went one on one with the Loveland keeper.  His touch went wide right and the Knights best chance at that point in the match went down the drain.

Shortly after that, Leo Mesones had a throw-in opportunity deep in Tiger territory.  The ball bounced around the box before Loveland cleared the ball and found forward Marty Bixler streaking down the center of the field.  Bixler outran the last Kings defender to score, putting the Tigers up 4-0 and creating a deeper hole for any Kings comeback.

Kings scored their first and only goal of the night right before halftime with Burkert scoring with the assist given to Mesones.

In the second half, Kings came out and made some early statements, winning many balls in the defensive backline and midfield.  But for a comeback to be in the picture, Kings needed every break to go their way.  But the second half for Kings was typified by what happened in the 43rd minute of the match.  After a nice offensive buildup, Mathis Terrier struck the ball that rattled the far post.  Luke McLelland converged to finish, but a Tiger defender cleared the ball before McLelland had a chance to strike. In the second half, the effort was there, but the goals were hard to come by.  The Knights had a great effort in the second half, but could not close the gap on the scoreboard.

Kings’ record drops to 2-2 with the loss.  They will try and rebound against a non-league opponent, Middletown Fenwick, on Tuesday, September 6 for their first road game of the season.

Saturday, August 27, 2011–The Kings Mens’ soccer team did just what Coach Poggi asked them to do this week in practice.  Generate more offense.  The Knights scored early and often in the first half as they dismantled the visiting Talawanda Braves, 5-1.
What a difference a year makes.  Last year the Knights lost at Talawanda 3-0.  Even with 15 seniors rostered on the team, the Braves were no match for the Knights as the offense was relentless throughout the first half.  Brandon Coughlin got the scoring started 17 minutes into the match when he headed Leo Mesones’ corner into the upper 90 making the score 1-0.  Three minutes later sophomore Mathis Terrier scored his first goal of his Kings’ varsity career as he found a loose ball in front of the net and calmly knocked it in using the bottom of his foot.
Then, with only 23 minutes played, Landon Kirby, a recent transfer from Lakota West, scored his first goal of the match making the score Kings 3-0.  Four minutes later Garrett Householder assisted Luke McLelland who stood unmarked in front of the goal.  He found that he had an effective and accurate left foot, and that made the score Kings 4-0.  The first half ended with Kings striking again.  This time Kirby settled a ball and hit a laser into the back of the net.  In 13 minutes of match time, the Knights had rattled the Braves for 5 goals and the half ended with Kings shelling the Braves, 5-0.
The second half saw the Braves get on the board with a nice display of talent from their first team all-FAVC senior Cody Wilhelm.  The match ended with Kings winning 5-1.   Next up for the Knights is the visiting Northwest Knights and their third straight home match and second straight FAVC West opponent.  The match will be played Monday evening, August 29 at 7 PM.

Starters:
F: Hoover, Terrier
MF: Burkert, Householder, Mesones, Meyer
D: Kowal, Kettler, Coughlin, Fadayel
GK: Holdeman

Check out Brandon Coughlin’s post game comments:

August 23, 2012–The Kings Knights opened their 2011 season with a disappointing home lose to the LaSalle Lancers, 2-1.  The highlight for the Knights was the great effort that each of the boys displayed on the field.

The scoring started early for LaSalle.  Eight minutes into the game, Kings was called for a foul as LaSalle was attacking.  LaSalle perfectly executed the delivery of the free kick into the box and a LaSalle player volleyed the ball into the net putting the Lancers up 1-0.  The lead, however, would be temporary.  Junior captain Garrett Householder made a run and penetrated deep into the LaSalle attacking third.  His cross was knocked out of play and Kings was awarded a corner kick.  Senior captain Leo Mesones stepped up and delivered a beautiful ball into the box.  Max Burkert was on the other end and placed a perfect header over the outstretched arm of the LaSalle keeper.  Burkert, a senior captain, had just tied the game 1-1 by scoring the Knights first goal of the season.

Kings senior keeper Kyle Holdeman found himself to be quite busy all night.  On many occasions he came out and challenged the Lancers’ forwards and midfielders, shutting down their offensive thrusts.  But with 33 minutes into the first half, Holdeman lost a one-on-one battle with a Lancer forward and LaSalle went up 2-1.  And that is how the half ended.

The Knights came out in the second half and kept battling.  There was no quit in Kings tonight.  Michael Kettler made several impressive tackles and Brandon Coughlin clogged up the middle, effectively clearing balls from the Knights’ backline.  While Mesones, Householder and sophomore Matt Hovis controlled the middle of the field, Kings put pressure on an experienced LaSalle keeper with several runs at the goal.  Coach Erik Poggi kept juggling the Kings’ lineup hoping to find the right combination of offense and find the equalizer.  But even though the effort and fight was there, Kings ran out of time as the game ended with a LaSalle victory, 2-1.  All in all, the Knights can be proud of a great team effort.

A nice crowd was on hand for tonight’s game.  And a special thanks to the Kings student body for giving such boisterous support.  Please come back Saturday night when the Knights host the Braves from Talawanda and hope to get their first win of the season.

Starters:

Forwards: Terrier, Hoover

Midfielders: Burkert, Mesones, Householder, Meyer

Defenders: Kowal, Kettler, Coughlin, Fadayel

GK: Holdeman

August 18, 2011–The Kings’ varsity soccer team ended the preseason schedule in fine stye with a 3-1 win over the Colerain Cardinals at Kings’ Stadium.

The Knights opened the scoring first at the 9 minute mark in the first half.  Nathan Meyer, operating from the outside midfield position, beat a Colerain defender to make a beautiful cross into the box.  Another Cardinal defender misplayed clearing the ball and the ball went into the Kings’ net for an “own goal.”  But give Nathan the assist!  Kings went up 1-0 and that is how the half ended.

In the second half both teams came out and seemed determined to play a back and forth game of kickball.  The game was interrupted a few times by the Knights making some impressive runs into the attacking third, but coming away empty.  Kings seemed to be gaining the advantage in the possession battle and then 16 minutes into in the second half, Mathis Terrier was fouled in the box.  Garrett Householder was called on for the penalty kick.  He stepped up and made the most of the opportunity, making the score Kings 2-0.

After 77 minutes of play, the Knights stuck again.  This time Terrier found junior striker Kyle Hoover with his back to the goal.  Hoover made a nifty turn with the ball and found the back of the net making the score Kings 3-0.

Colerain added the final goal in the closing seconds of the match.  The Knights were aided by outstanding defensive play from their back line and their two goal keepers, Kyle Holdeman and Robbie Frye.

Hear Coack Erik Poggi’s comments on the preseason matches.

Next up are the Lancers from LaSalle and the season home opener on Tuesday, August 23 at 5/7 PM.  See you then!

Starters:

Forwards: Hoover, Terrier

Midfielders: Meyer, Mesones, Householder, McLelland

Defenders: Kettler, Irwin, Coughlin, Fadayel

GK: Holdeman

August 16, 2011–The Kings Knights varsity team hosted the defending Division II state soccer champions, Dayton Carroll, in their second preseason game of the year.  Carroll came away with a 4-2 win, but it was not without a strong effort from the Knights.

Kings found the net first at the 13 minute mark in the first half.  Garrett Householder received a pass as he was approaching the goal from the left side.  After executing a sweet cross over move that froze a Carroll defender, Householder slipped the ball past the Carroll keeper and into the back of the net at the far post.  Kings went up 1-0.

The lead did not last long as the Patriots countered with three straight goals at the 18, 29 and 35 minute marks in the first half. At times the Kings back line could not keep their shape and struggled to contain a talented group of Carroll strikers.  In between the three Patroit goals, starting keeper Kyle Holdeman made some gutsy saves, keeping the match from getting away from the Knights.  Holdeman showed he was willing to leave his post and challenge oncoming Carroll strikers!

With the score 3-1 and time expiring in the first half, Householder split the Patriot defensive unit with a perfect assist to a streaking Kyle Hoover.  Hoover played the ball perfectly, chipping the keeper and sending the ball just under the cross bar for the Knights second goal of the evening.  The half ended with Carroll leading 3-2.

The second half saw the Patriots add another goal to make the final score, Carroll 4-2.  Kings battled until the very end, winning balls and keeping possession for much of the final 15 minutes.  In the end, they could not find the back of the net.

The final preseason varsity match of the year will be held at Kings stadium on Thursday, August 18 at 11 am.

Starters:

Forwards: Hoover, Kirby

Midfielders: Burkert, Mesones, Householder, McLelland

Defenders: Kowal, Kettler, Coughlin, Fadayel

Keeper: Holdeman

October 18, 2010-The Kings Knights lost in the first round of the sectional soccer tournament to the Oak Hills Highlanders 3-1.  It was an abrupt end for the seven seniors who carried the leadership of the team throughout the season.

Early in the match Kings had their chances. At the 32:34 minute mark in the first half, Mikey Roat crossed the ball into the box but there was too much pace for Eric Barnes to possess and finish as he made his run. Minutes later, the Highlanders countered with their first goal on a quick combination in the box from a deep cross outside of the 18 yard box. Oak Hills went up, 1-0. Then, after only 90 ticks of the clock since their first goal, Oak Hills struck again and this one hurt the Knights. Goal keeper Steve Michalak could not find the handle on a long cross into a stiff breeze and the Highlanders found themselves up, 2-0.

It was back and forth for both team for much of the time remaining in the second half. Kings found it difficult to consistently win balls out of the air, and Oak Hills kept winning the possession battle. But down 2-0 and to their credit, Kings was able to counter off an Oak Hills build up at the 16:08 mark in the first half. Mikey Roat put a perfect touch on a ball that crossed midfield and hit Luke McLelland in perfect stride. McLelland crossed the ball to Brandon Byrd who finished the goal to pull the Kings to within one goal, 2-1. That is the way the first half ended.

Coach Poggi’s Knights came out in the second half with an intensity that matched the Highlanders. Both teams showed the ability to build on their offensive end and put pressure on the opposing goal keeper. Michalak made several quality stops, holding the Highlanders at bay and giving the Knights’ offense some time to make something happen. Senior Sean Burke started the second half, giving the Knights some quality minutes at the outside midfield position.

The Knights best chance seemed to come at the 20 minute mark in the second half. Roat took a hard foul just outside the Highlanders’ box and Kings was awarded a free kick. Garrett Householder’s soft cross was headed out by an Oak Hill defender and the threat was subdued.

The Knights chances for an equalizer came to an end with 4:42 left in the game. Kings mishandled a throw in and an Oak Hills forward hit an absolute laser off the back post for the final score and a 3-1 tournament win. Kings finishes the season 5-7-5.

It was the last game for seven outstanding seniors: Brandon Byrd, Lucas Abraao, Steve Michalak, Eric
Barnes, Sean Burke, Ryan Smith and Mikey Roat.  Each one of them made valuable contributions on and off the field.  Best wishes to each of you and thanks for contributing to a special season!

Starters:
Forwards: Roat, Abraao
Midfielders: Meyer, Mesones, Householder, Barnes
Defenders: Kowal, Coughlin, Kettler, Fadayel
GK: Michalak

October 14, 2010-The seven seniors that lead the Knights on and off the field this season finished the regular season with a 2-0 win over FAVC East foe Glen Este. Nearly 300 fans came out for the finale, saluting the seniors in a Jam the Stands night.

Kings started the game controlling the ball and the action, limiting GE to no shots on goal in the first half and completely dominating play in their own attacking third. But that did not translate into goals and the first half ended 0-0.

At the break, head coach Erik Poggi exhorted the Kings’ strikers to sharpen their runs and look to put the game away. At the 30 minute mark in the second half, sophomore stopper Garrett Householder picked up a loose ball 25 yards from the net. His strike outdistanced the outstretched arm of the Trojans’ goal keeper and the Knights were up 1-0.

Kings controlled the rest of the game, shutting down the few offensive threats that the Trojans mounted. The Knights came close on several different offensive buildups, with Mikey Roat, Luke McLelland, Kyle Hoover and Leo Mesones all barely missing scoring opportunities. The Knights totaled 9 corner kicks for the evening, and it was the last one that counted. Max Burkert took the corner with less than a minute to go and found a charging Eric Barnes to finish the goal. The final was Kings 2 and Glen Este 0.

The final “play” of the night was shortly after the match ended. Head coach Erik Poggi received the ceremonial Gatorade bath, signifying a job well done. The Knights finish the regular season with a respectable 5-6-5 record and 2-4-2 in the FAVC East division.

Next week is tournament time with the opponent being Oak Hills from the Greater Miami Conference.  The match is at the Highlanders’ home pitch on Monday, October 18 at 7 pm.

Starters:
Forwards: Roat, Byrd
Midfielders: Barnes, Mesones, Smith, Abraao
Defenders: Fadayel, Coughlin, Householder, Kettler
GK: Michalak

October 9, 2010-On a beautiful night for soccer at Anderson High School, the Kings Knights came from behind and played a beautiful final 15 minutes to draw with the Redskins, 1-1.

The first half saw both squads win the possession battle for large portions of play. It was Anderson who held the momentum early in the match. They signaled to Kings’ goalkeeper Steve Michalak that they would shoot the ball early and often from 18-30 yards out. But midway through the first half, Kings began to neutralize and gained the momentum going into the break. At half time, the score was 0-0.

At the 34:15 minute in the second half, the Knights lost possession as they tried to drop the ball back to their defensive back line. The Redskins gained possession and senior midfielder Matthew Greer ripped a laser into the upper right corner, and Anderson went up, 1-0. The lead lasted about 25 minutes as the Knights could have easily folded. But they were determined to keep fighting to the delight of head coach Erik Poggi.

At the 10 minute mark in the second half, Kings gained possession in the midfield. Mikey Roat passed the ball into the right corner to Leo Mesones. Mesones crossed the ball and found striker Lucas Abraao, unmarked and in front of the goal, for the equalizer. The Knights had clawed their way back to tie the match.

The last 10 minutes of the match saw plenty of exciting action. Kings had a few quality opportunities that they could not finish. While Michalak was stopping everything Anderson was throwing his way, the Knights were finding ways to counter. Their last counter came with 10 seconds to go. Luke McLelland found Brandon Byrd on a break away and Brandon found himself one-on-one with Redskin goalkeeper Ryan Strunk. As Brandon was sprinting down the field, his last touch was 2 yards too long and the threat ended with Strunk clearing the ball and ending the game.

The draw leaves the Knights with an overall record of 4-6-5 and the Redskins stand at 4-4-5. Kings have a few days off until their final match of the regular season, a home match on Thursday, October 16. This is Senior Night and Jam the Stands.

Starters:
Forwards: Abraao, Roat
Midfielders: Burkert, Mesones, Householder, Meyer
Defenders: Kettler, Coughlin, Fadayel, Kowal
GK: Michalak

October 7, 2010-If Kings had any dreams of equaling last year’s 0-0 draw and superb effort against Milford, those dreams were dashed midway through the first half.  In a span of less than three minutes, the Eagles took advantage of two quick counters and found themselves up in the match, 2-0. 

Milford continues to prove they are one of the top teams in the city with a record of 9-2-3.  They patiently and methodically worked the ball into the Knights attacking third using quick combinations and team speed to keep the pressure on the Kings’ defensive unit all evening.

The Knights did have chances, although they were few and far apart.  Some of their best chances came at the beginning of the second half, when Kings put together two combinations in their attacking third.  But Kings failed to finish and Milford, at the 32:57 mark in the second half, buried their third goal of the night.  At the 9:36 minute mark, the Eagles would score again, making the final score 4-0.

It was a disappointing and frustrating loss for Kings.  Once again Kings was plagued by an inability to score goals, which has been their Achilles heel all season.  The Knights fall to 4-6-4 overall and 1-4-1 in FAVC East divisional play. Kings play their third game of the week this Saturday against an improving Anderson team. Game time is 5/7 PM.

Starters:
Forwards: Roat, Abraao
Midfielders: Meyer, Mesones, Burkert, Barnes
Defenders: Kettler, Householder, Coughlin, Fadayel
GK: Michalak

October 5, 2010-It was all Kings tonight as the Knights took down the Mount Healthy Owls, 6-0.  The Fighting Owls were undermanned and outplayed as they just did not have the firepower to compete with the bigger, faster and more physical Knights.

Apart from being called for 14 off sides calls, the Knights played nearly perfect soccer.  There were numerous shots on goal that many Kings players would love to have the chance to play again.  But the scoring (and highlights) went as follows:

First half:

32:31 Goal: Abraao with assist from Roat, 1-0 Kings

30:03 Goal: Abraao with assist from McLelland, 2-0 Kings

25:36 Goal: Barnes on PK, 3-0 Kings

15:45 GK Steve Michalak touched the ball for the first time

10:25 Goal: Hoover with assist from Byrd, 4-0 Kings

Second Half

26:40 Goal: Abraao with assist from Roat, 5-0 Kings

25:00 Goal: Mesones off throw in, 6-0 Kings

15:45  #13 for Owls clears the ball from back line after taking off his shoe….classic!

00:00  Game ends, no injuries, next up FAVC East foe Milford Eagles

Starters:

Forwards: Roat, Abraao

Midfielders: McLelland, Burkert, Mesones, Barnes

Defenders: Coughlin, Householder, Fadayel, Kowal

GK: Michalak

Kyle Hoover Scored for Kings

October 2, 2010-The Kings varsity soccer team battled the Lebanon Warriors to a 1-1 draw in a game that almost went the Knights’ way on several occasions.  Kings fought hard to the very end, making several dangerous attempts at the goal late into the match.

Kings seemed to have their way for much of the match, finding the possession game a bit easier than in previous matches.  The Knights struck first when sophomore captain and midfielder Garrett Householder threaded a perfect ball to a streaking Kyle Hoover down the middle.  Hoover outmaneuvered the last defender and crossed the ball past the outstretched arm of the Warriors’ goalkeeper, Jacob Buszek, for the goal.  For the second straight game the Knights went up, 1-0.

But for the second straight match the Knights could not hold the lead.  Four minutes after Hoover gave Kings the lead, the Warriors’ J.J. Dix scored on a free kick that Kings goalkeeper Steve Michalak seemed, at first, to possess.  But the ball slipped through his gloves and the score was tied at 1-1.  And that is how the first half ended.

The second half saw the Knights continue to build momentum and opportunities in their attacking third.  Time after time, the Knights created opportunities but only to fall short when Buszek made save after save.  Quality shots on goal were attempted by Mikey Roat, Eric Barnes, Leo Mesones and even from his defending position, Sam Fadayel.

With six minutes to go in the match, senior goalkeeper Michalak came out on a ball and collided with a Lebanon striker.  Michalak was shaken up and taken from the game.  Senior backup keeper Sean Burke came in to replace Michalak.  Lebanon immediately went to work in their attacking third only to be turned away as Burke made a quality save.

The final six minutes had the Kings’ fans on the edge of their seats.  Kings generated several quality offensive opportunities and almost came away with the game winner.  The match ended in a 1-1 tie.

There were clearly a few positives for the Knights to build on for the last quarter of the season.  They battled to the end, bringing urgency and opportunity to the last minute.  Also, Kings defended well against J.J. Dix, largely holding him in check the whole game.  The speedy stiker has scored 14 goals for the year.

The Lebanon record now stands at 5-6-1 while the Kings Knights level out at 3-5-4.

Starters:

Forwards: Abraao, Roat

Midfielders: McLelland, Mesones, Burkert, Barnes

Defenders: Householder, Fadayel, Kettler, Finn

GK: Michalak

Senior Captain Mikey Roat

September 30, 2010-A brilliant first half of soccer played by the Kings Knights was not enough to overcome a strong finish by the Walnut Hills Eagles as the Knights lost their third match in a row, 3-1.  Kings made a strong statement at the outset, playing spirited soccer and putting plenty of pressure on the Eagles’ defensive unit.  The Knights created early opportunities through quick combinations and aggressive play, but could not finish.  The halftime score ended at 0-0.

The Knights picked up in the second half right where they were in the first half.  At the 32 minute mark in the second half, Lucas Abraao was fouled by an Eagle defender.  Leo Mesones took the free kick and after the ball bounced off Ryan Smith, Mikey Roat found the back of the net and the Knights were up 1-0.  But the lead was short lived.

In the next 16 minutes, Walnut Hills would counter and score three goals.  The first came from senior Isaac Durst, one of the city’s leading goal scorers.  The second Walnut Hills goal came when the Knights failed to defend a free kick and the third goal came on a beautiful cross and header combination. 

In the end, Kings showed they could play solid and competitive soccer against one of the league’s better teams.  The Knights’ record falls to 3-5-3 as they prepare the host the Lebanon Warriors on Saturday at Kings stadium. The JV match starts at 10 am and the varsity match begins at 12 noon.

Starters:

Forwards: Roat, Byrd

Midfielders: McLelland, Mesones, Burkert, Abraao

Defenders: Kettler, Householder, Coughlin, Fadayel

GK: Michalak

The Knights lost their 2nd game in a row last night to the FAVC – West leading Talawanda Braves.  The team was able to control possession early on in the first half, but again was unable to put the ball in the net. Talawanda was able to net 2 goals in the first half against the Knights defense and added 1 more in the 2nd half for a final score of 3-0. Overall, the team played with a lot of heart, but was unable to string together any positive results in the attacking third of the field. 

Kings will host league rival Walnut Hills Thursday night at Kings Stadium. The Eagles are 3-2-1 in the FAVC East so far this year, but came off a very convincing win on Saturday against Finneytown. It will be another tough test for the Knights as we continue to look to improve on each game as the season progresses and get back in the scoring column.