ICCC soccer news 8/28/09

Tritons wrap up exhibition season
by Josh Sandin
Photo Courtesy of Paul DeCoursey
Posted on 8/28/2009

LAMONI – In Iowa Central’s second pre-season exhibition match, the Tritons traveled to Lamoni Iowa to face the 2006 NAIA National Champions, Graceland University. The match consisted of three 30 minute periods.

The first period shaped up to be a battle in the midfield, and neither the Tritons nor the Jackets were able to create many goal scoring opportunities despite great efforts by both teams. In the second 30 minutes, the Tritons were able to establish a rhythm on offense that allowed for several scoring chances that fell just short of the mark.

Solid play in defense allowed the Tritons to shut down Yellow Jacket attacks and created several solid build-ups out of the back that ended in goal scoring opportunities. Notable performances in the second period included several quality saves by Goalkeeper Kyle Fitch, and relentless pressure from Triton striker Austin Otto that forced the Jackets into several unfavorable clearances.

It wasn’t until the third period that the score line was broken. A strong diagonal dribble from Triton winger Morgan Lebeurre set up a set piece on the right side of the 18-yard box. Austin Otto took the free kick, and sound movement by the Triton offense in the box created confusion in the Jacket defense. After taking a deflection off of a Jacket defender the ball ended up in the back of the net making the score 1-0 in favor of the Tritons.

In the last 10 minutes of the period the Jackets were awarded a free kick on the left side of the Triton 18-yard box. Confusion in the penalty area and a well placed shot resulted in a goal for the Yellow Jackets, tying the game at 1-1. Play resumed and neither team was able to edge out the opposition, leaving the match in a 1-1 tie.

Other note worthy performances included composure in the midfield by George Curry, and solid wing-play by Alex Van De Laarschott. Austin Otto was awarded Player of the Match for his strong efforts in all three periods. Triton coaches, Brandon Ermels and Matt Wade, were very pleased with the effort from their side and are anxious to officially begin the teams’ 2009-2010 campaign riding the momentum taken from two quality pre-season performances.