The Soccer Association of Homer was again represented by the Homer Vortex, a team of boys under the age of 15, and the Homer Hawks, a coed team of players under the age of 12, in their final matches of the season against Kenai on July 23.
Playing coed against a Kenai team of girls under the age of 15, the Homer Vortex had its most exciting game yet. The final score was Vortex 5 and Kenai 2.
In an explosive game start, Homer’s Charles Rohr scored unassisted from 25 yards out after just two minutes of play. Not to be outdone, Kenai tied it up 10 minutes later. Then Vortex took control with what is becoming their signature game of passing, maintaining possession and exerting pressure.
Kenai’s goalie had 18 saves for the game. Homer’s Oliver Beck assisted Charles Rohr, who scored again. Shortly before the half-time whistle, Kenai brought the score to 2-2. The road to victory began in the second half, which was dominated offensively and defensively by the Vortex. Oliver Beck scored with assistance from Charles Rohr, and Simon Dye scored with assistance by Elan Carroll.
A 30-yard direct free kick by Simon Dye brought the game score to 5-2. Kenai was held back by the strong defense of Dexter Lowe, Isaiah Nevak, Charles Rohr, Brenna McCarron, and Douglas Dean. Keeper Ali McCarron had 12 saves. On the same night, the Homer Hawks played a shut-out game against Kenai’s U-11 girls team, a team with players under the age of 11, with a final score of 5-0. The Hawks’ defense was strong from beginning to end, allowing only two shots on goal, with one save each by Hawks keepers Parker Lowney and Colby Marion.
The Hawks’ scoring plays were excellent examples of teamwork. Ethan Anderson got a hat trick, three goals in a game, with assistance from Isaiah Nevak, Colby Marion and Elijah Johnson. Owen Glasman scored with assistance from Liam Houlihan, and in an outstanding example of quick reflexes, Ty Etzwiler scored off of a block by a Kenai player.
The Hawks play once more this season when they attend the Zane’s Cup tournament in Anchorage, Aug. 2-4.
