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Soccer startup

Girard wins big over JFK

Tribune Chronicle / Brian Yauger Stephen Gamble (5) of Girard rushes past John F. Kennedy’s Sarosh Sheth during Girard’s 10-1 win Friday.

GIRARD — A young Girard boys soccer team opened its 2019 campaign strong with two goals in the first 10 minutes and didn’t let off the gas, taking down John F. Kennedy, 10-1, in a statement win Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

“We played well,” Girard coach Zach Stamp said. “A good 10-1 win against a great JFK team. Our team came out stong in the first half and put a lot of points on the board. They didn’t give up until the end.”

The Indians kept possession in the offensive zone for most of the game, especially in the first half. They put pressure on Eagles goalkeeper Bobby Plizga, peppering him with shots throughout the game, finishing with 17 shots on goal — not counting many others that went just wide.

Girard’s offense was dominated by sophomores Alan Whitfield and Dylan DiPiero as well as senior captain Stephen Gamble. Whitfield controlled the pace, putting seven shots on net, and had a hat trick. Gamble finished with two goals on four shots and DiPiero, who made his first varsity appearance, also scored a hat trick with four goals on five shots.

“It feels pretty good,” DiPiero said. “I mean it’s always good to come out and show yourself.”

Tribune Chronicle / Brian Yauger Cody Wylie (29) of Girard dribbles past John F. Kennedy defender Giorgio Femia Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Girard. The Indians won, 10-1.

He views beating a tough JFK team as a message that this young team is hungry and ready to go.

“It’s a statement to all the other teams this year,” DiPiero said. “We’re coming and I think we’re going to be pretty good.”

Girard’s scoring continued with junior Michael Appiahyei scoring as well. Defenseman Adam Whitfield got his name on the scorecard, assisting on two goals.

Something to excite Girard fans looking at the roster is the class makeup. They’re a talented squad, with the potential to only get better as their inexperienced players begin to pick up playing time as the year goes on.

“We’re very young,” Stamp said. “We have five seniors, and then most of the rest of our roster is sophomores and juniors. So within the next few years we’re looking like we have a lot coming up. We’re looking pretty good going forward.”

Tribune Chronicle / Brian Yauger Tim Klaben of John F. Kennedy heads the ball toward a teammate Friday at Girard.

Up next for Kennedy (0-1) is a home matchup against Columbiana. Girard travels to Badger to take on the Braves.

The Indians (1-0) are just excited to be back on the field after a 9-7-2 season that saw its end against Northeast-8 rival Hubbard in the second round of tournament play.

“It feels great to be back out here,” Stamp said. “Especially on a Friday night under the lights. I’m glad to get the season started again. I hope it’s a good one.”

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