Lordstown, Grand Valley end match in a draw
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LORDSTOWN -- Rainy conditions were a big factor during Tuesday's game between the Lordstown and Grand Valley boys soccer teams. Neither team generated much, but both played with intensity.
An early-game goal by the Mustangs was matched in the final six minutes by Lordstown, and the teams tied for the second time this season 1-1.
"It wasn't our best game. I don't think either side played their best game today," Lordstown coach Eric Lloyd said. "There was a lot of foosball again, a lot of banging the ball back and forth. I do think that our kids played with a lot of heart. ... Grand Valley always plays us tough. They're just such a great team. (Mustangs coach) Rick Huffman is such a great coach, and I just wish that things would have come out a little bit differently today. I think both teams wanted that one really bad, but I do appreciate the heart that these guys played with and the determination. They just didn't give up the whole time."
Grand Valley (1-2-3, 1-1-2 NAC) got on the board in the first 10 minutes. Senior Evan Skrtic got the better of Lordstown's Dylan Davis to give his team the advantage.
With the rain playing a significant factor in generating an offensive rhythm, getting a goal early was important.
"We knew on their field a bit shorter and stuff, and grass versus the turf would be a little bit more of a challenge for us, especially in these conditions," Huffman said. "Neither team could really show their skillset in this kind of weather."
Forced to play catch-up for much of the game, Lordstown pressured offensively, but couldn't get anything through. There were some close calls late in the first half, but nothing found the net.
The Red Devils got the goal they needed after some contact drawn in the box gave Lordstown a penalty kick with just under six minutes remaining. The team sent senior defenseman Chase Zelznick - nicknamed "The Specialist" for his knack for making penalty kicks - to the line. Zelznick converted and the game was tied at 1.
With a suffocating defensive performance from the Mustangs, Lloyd knew it would be tough to make anything happen offensively.
"They packed 10 guys in the box every time. We just couldn't do anything down there," Lloyd said. "We just did our best, and today our best was a tie. So, we'll take it."
The conference is wide open this season, with five teams jockeying for first place. While both teams would have greatly benefitted from a win, Huffman was happy to fight another day.
"It's pretty much an open run right now with about five teams fighting for it, which is something the NAC's never been," Huffman said. "It's exciting that these other teams, (Grand Valley) included, are all in contention to fight for it and makes the games exciting and something to play for."
Grand Valley's next game is scheduled for Thursday against rival Pymatuning Valley.
Lordstown (6-2-2, 3-2-1 NAC) will square off with league-leading Bristol on Friday.