Lion soccer stumbles, but starts strong in district

Lions v. Lehman
The Lockhart Lions varsity soccer team kicked off its district schedule on Thursday with an away game at the Lehman Lobos. Since the original game date was pushed back because of the ice storm, the game was played on the turf field at Shelton Stadium, the football stadium at Hays High School.
The first half started with the Lions active and movi

ng, put the Lobos were prepared to play. The first few minutes and most of the first half were played at the Lions end of the field. The defensive unit played extremely well to protect the goal. On offense, the Lions had their chances but failed to capitalize. Senior Max Gainey had great positioning but a bad pass took his chance away. Freshman Jose Gonzales had a volley sail just wide of the goal. Sophomore Bobby Williams also had a scoring chance go awry.
“We”re working hard, we just have to take advantage of scoring chances when they come along, ” Coach Antoun said.
The Lions came out more aggressive than usual, and Lehman was ready to play. The Lobos took control of the second half quickly with crisp passing coupled with excellent movement. The Lions found themselves on the defensive, but the defense was up for the challenge. The defensive quartet of Alex Pfefferkorn, Robbie Clifton, Gabe Atwell, and Bobby Henrikson, along with keeper David Moore kept the Lobos at bay. Daniel Chavez also put in quality minutes on the defensive side of the ball. Ten minutes into the second half, however, the Lobos opened the scoring. The Lions committed a foul along the left side and the Lobos lined up for a free kick. The ball was crossed in front of the Lion goal, and a failed attempt to clear the ball resulted in a point blank shot for a Lobo 1-0 lead.
The Lions did not quit. Seventeen minutes later the Lions, led by sophomores Cameron Peters and Colt Miranda, worked the ball down the right side into the Lobos penalty area. A foul ensued, and the Lions were awarded a penalty kick. Alex Pfefferkorn nailed the penalty kick into the net for a 1-1 tie. The remainder of the game featured scoring chances for both teams and one notable save by David Moore. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.
“Although we were happy to get a point to open district play, this is a game we felt we could have won,” Antoun said. “There are certain issues slowing us down, and we hope to clear those up in the immediate future.”

Lions v. Smithville
The Lockhart Lions hosted their first district game of the season Friday night at a muddy Lion Stadium against the Smithville Tigers. The Lions opened the game coming off a district opener versus Lehman the evening before.
“I think it is time for our first win,” said Coach Antoun before the game. “Go out there and get it. It”s cold, raining, and muddy, and Smithville has to play in it too.”
The Lions started the game with crisp passing and playing a possession style game. All players were actively involved in moving the ball around, and the Tigers were left chasing the ball around the field. Although the Lions owned the ball for much of the first half, the Lions could not open the scoring because of the tremendous play of the Smithville keeper. Several scoring chances were thwarted by the efforts of the Tiger defensive unit. With the game scoreless and three minutes from halftime, senior David Moore opened the scoring with a great assist from sophomore Bobby Williams. Williams put a nice pass into space down the left side, and Moore took it from there. Halftime ensued without further scoring.
Three minutes into the second half Moore struck again, this time unassisted as he dribbled down the left side and put a low screamer past the keeper for a 2-0 lead. Ten minutes later Moore completed his hat trick, again with the help of Bobby Williams. Once again, nice combination play resulted in a goal down the left side for the Lions. Nine minutes later, he added the icing to the cake. Junior Gabe Atwell placed a nice pass into Moore, who turned and fired from about 35 yards out. The ball sailed a bit with the wind and came down just out of reach of the Smithville keeper and into the net. From there, the Lions worked on possessing the ball. Sophomores Robbie Clifton and Jacob Berry did well in possessing and passing, and Berry let loose a couple of blasts that nearly scored, as did Bobby Williams and sophomore Cameron Peters. The game ended without further scoring, and sophomore keeper Mauricio Gutierrez recorded his first varsity shut-out.
“Best game of the year so far,” Antoun told the team after the game. “Be proud of yourselves, but understand we have two tough tests next week in Hendrickson and Manor. Let”s come out Monday and keep this ball rolling.”
(Courtesy of Coach Ramez Antoun)