Crusaders take 2nd at conference soccer tourney

Posted

BY PCC STAFF

BURLINGTON - The Holy Trinity boys soccer squad gave West Burlington/Notre Dame all they could handle, but dropped the fourth contest of the year to the Nikes 2-1 in the Southeast Iowa Superconference soccer tournament this weekend.

The Crusaders jumped out in front the Nikes 1-0 in the first half, but Notre Dame's senior Sturgis Thornton popped two past keeper Blake Crabtree in the second half, the go-ahead coming with less than four minutes to play. Holy Trinity's Mitchell Pothitakis was tripped up outside the box and the ball squirted into the path of Thornton, who converted the game winning shot.

If the Crusaders performance against the Nikes all season is any indication, they seem to be positioning themselves for a decent run in the post season. The Nikes knocked off HTC 4-0 in the Fort Madison Invitational at Baxter Sports Complex to open the season, and then Notre Dame shut out the Crusaders 2-0 on April 15 in West Point, before posting another shut out again on April 30 in Burlington, 3-0.

The 15-1 Nikes are tied for the 2nd highest winning percentage in the state behind Waukee (15-0), Marion (13-0). The Crusaders are fielding just 12 players this year and have been dealing with injuries throughout, playing one game with just the starters.

In the preliminary conference matches this weekend, HTC opened with a 2-0 shutout over Mediapolis at Iowa Mennonite. Crabtree had five saves in the shutout with both goals coming from Audrae Vincent. Senior Adam Rauenbuehler had four shots on goal to lead HTC. Pothitakis had two SOGs and an assist in the game.

With the win, HTC moved to the Saturday bracket to face Danville at Burlington Notre Dame. Crabtree wrangled 12 saves against two goals in the 7-2 Crusader win.

Ryder Brune scored the hattrick as did Vincent. Pothitakis got the seventh goal of the game. The Crusaders peppered the Bears with 10 shots on goal converting seven.

Both the Holy Trinity girls and boys will be in action Thursday in a tussle with cross-town rival Fort Madison. It will be spring sports senior night for HTC with all spring sports athletes being recognized between games.

boys, high school, holy trinity, iowa, Pen City Current, Soccer, sports

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here