Nick D. (Courtesy/Sunil S.)
On Monday, September 23, the boys from Hondros traveled to the Tree of Life for an out of conference matchup. The game overall was uneventful during the beginning stages, with both defenses holding strong. This lack of offense and poor defensive attack resulted in a 0-0 halftime score. The third quarter is when the Vikings got things going on offense as they turned up their offensive pressure, although they failed to take advantage of the Trojans defense for a score they were closing in as the third quarter clock ran. Later in the quarter, senior captain Graham J. found the back of the net for the lone goal of the game and a Vikings 1-0 victory.
The Vikings faced rival Bexley for the Cup on Hondros field on Wednesday, September 25. The game once again started slowly on offensive as both teams had no answer for each other’s hard nosed defensive. Although the Vikings dominated the time of possession throughout the first period, they were unsuccessful in finding the net. With seconds left in the first period, senior Dante R. made a run to the goal as the Lions defense knocked the ball loose. The ball ultimately found its way to Brian A. who launched it towards the goal and past the keeper’s outstretched arms for an amazing score. As halftime approached the score stood at 1-0 in favor of the Vikes. The start of the second period was uneventful, with neither team controlling possession. With only a few minutes remaining in the game, the Lions ramped up their offensive pressure. The Vikings, however, tamed this short spurt until the final minute when Bexley was awarded a free kick on the right sideline. The Lions took advantage of this as they were able to sneak a goal past Academy’s keeper with just seconds left in the period. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Following this the two teams entered penalty kicks for the cup, and the Lions came out victorious keeping the cup in their grasp.
The Vikings will face the Worthington Christian Warriors away on Tuesday, October 1, and now stand at 9-4-3 on the season.
