The Tigers’ seniors scored all three goals in the game. Logan Mattix scored two goals in the first half, and Jared Pierceall scored an early goal in the second half.
The Bluejays’ keeper, senior Evan Loyd, held off numerous goals by the Tigers, but the Greenwood offense could not deliver.
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Loyd offered his team chances to score with little opposition, as he delivered two big kick returns in the second half. But the Bluejays faltered, missing some crucial shots.
Mattix scored the Tigers’ first goal in the 14th minute, with assistance from senior Austin Parker.
“A cross came in, and the keeper deflected it—he’s a great keeper [Loyd]. It came out to Austin Parker. I headed straight down, and it went in,” said Mattix.
The Tigers made repeated runs to the Bluejays’ goal but were stopped by Loyd. Finally, with 26 seconds remaining in the first half, Mattix again seized an opportunity opened by a pass from sophomore Quinton Pucket.
Mattix’s first shot at the goal was blocked by Loyd, but Mattix made another immediate shot that slipped past Loyd, ending the first half 2-0. Tigers coach Tim Magee praised Loyd’s efforts at blocking the first shot.
“Ethan [Loyd] made a fantastic save on it. It came off, and Mattix was able to contort his body in some weird fashion to put the ball in,” said Magee.
Pierceall opened the second half with a goal assisted by senior Sergiu Lupescu in the 42nd minute.
“It just happened that he was open, and I played it to him. It bounced off his foot and came back to me. I caught it right in front of the goal, and I took it with my right foot to the goal,” said Pierceall.
The Bluejays’ offense played more aggressively in the second half, but still could not deliver goals. Loyd continued to guard the Greenwood goal effectively, keeping the Tigers from scoring again and ending the game 3-0.
Willard 3, Greenwood 0
Willard 2-1—3
Greenwood 0-0—0
First half:
Willard – Logan Mattix (assisted by Austin Parker), Mattix (assisted by Quinton Puckett)
Second half:
Willard – Jared Pierceall (assisted by Sergiu Lupescu)
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