Newton Falls tops Garfield, 1-0
Trending
GARRETTSVILLE - Halftime was only 10 minutes, but it was just enough time to affect both teams Wednesday at James A. Garfield High School.
Newton Falls was energetic, but not aggressive. Meanwhile, Garfield got few chances, but they tried to capitalize early.
Everything changed in the second half, and eventually, the Tigers managed to put a shot in the back of the net in a 1-0 win over the G-Men.
Newton Falls (1-0, 1-0 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference, Grey Tier) frequently found chances in the box, but the Tigers didn't attempt any quick shots to take advantage of the push.
The Tigers only attempted two shots on goal in the first half. But the team refocused and came out strong to start the second half.
With 19:49 left to play, the Tigers broke through on a breakaway.
Tyler Stinson had possession in the middle box, and Carter Drake was off to his left. Drake got the ball and sent a soft shot into the bottom-right corner for the game's only score.
"Once we kinda talked about taking those opportunities to shoot instead of being less selfish, it finally clicked with them that they needed to just turn and be ready to shoot the ball," Newton Falls head coach Kassi Gant said.
Three goalkeepers saw playing time between the two teams. And all three were on their game.
Freshman Derek Montgomery got the start for the Tigers before turning things over to senior Logan Kimple to start the second half. Both Newton Falls goalies made six saves.
"I just gotta come out and try my hardest to win," Kimple said. "I'm a senior, so it's my last year with these guys, so I try my hardest to make it a fun experience for them."
Brody Justice kept the G-Men (0-1, 0-1 MVAC Grey Tier) in the game with nine stops. But the G-Men were unable to get one past Newton Falls' fun-loving goalie.
Kimple made a couple acrobatic stops with the lead, including a punch that sent a high shot over the crossbar.
Garfield head coach Theo Cebulla said the inexperience was evident on the pitch Wednesday. He said his crew needed to eliminate space in the midfield and improve its technique and passing.
"There were a lot of nice moments," Cebulla said. "Ollie May creating some stuff, working with a new guy in Cam Lewicki ... they were working really well together. Micahel Khairallah created some opportunities."
Gant said the 1-0 start to the season is a positive, but the fact that is a conference win means more.
"Garfield is always good competition," Gant said. "Starting out with a win in our first game is always incredible.”