10/31/2012: General McLane 7- Conneaut 0
10/31/2012: Eagles ousted from playoffs by Lancers
By Dan Walk
Meadville Tribune
FRANKLIN — The General McLane boys soccer team relied on its defense while averaging two goals per game this season. That said, the focus at practice during the week and a half leading up to the Lancers’ District 10 Class AA quarterfinal clash with Conneaut was finishing at the goal offensively.
McLane’s attention to offense paid off on Wednesday at Franklin High School during a convincing 7-0 victory over the Eagles.
“I think finishing was a big thing today,” General McLane head coach Josh Hopkins said. “We got some bodies forward and we put our chances in. With the weather, we focused on making sure we got more quality opportunties.”
The Lancers (11-6-2) will now face Region 4 champion Warren (14-4) today at 7 p.m. in Harbor Creek.
McLane provided a powerful attack during the first half, scoring four times on just six shots on goal. The Lancers had 17 shots on goal to Conneaut’s five and never let off the accelerator. They added three second-half goals, including Bryan Olson’s score with six seconds left in the game.
Olson and Matt McCallion scored twice, while McCallion also had an assist. Zack Benedict added a goal and an assist, and Daniel Ahn and Parker McDermott also found the back of the net. Andy Zalik also registered an assist.
Senior keeper Kirk Dillen recorded his eighth shutout of the season. Dillen and the GM defense didn’t allow the Eagles (9-8-2) many great looks near the goal.
“It was a pretty standard day at the office for the defense,” Hopkins said. “Those guys back there did their job. Kirk’s a great goalkeeper. The back four make sure he gets minimal shots on him.”
The Lancers, who won last year’s Class AA district crown, lost 10 seniors to graduation. Dillen is among the few returning starters.
“I thought we relied on some of our playoffs experience,” Hopkins said. “We won D-10 last year and our mindset is we’re going to do our best to defend our title. That’s our challenge as a coaching staff to make sure we do our best to reload and get them going.”
Conneaut’s options to score were few and far between. GM didn’t dominate ball control, but the Eagles couldn’t convert once they were on the Lancers’ side of the field.
The Eagles’ best chance at a score was a shot that rung off the crossbar with under 13 minutes remaining. By then, it was already 5-0 Lancers.
“I just wish we could have had a better game,” Conneaut head coach Alan Wise said. “It was just unfortunate mistakes and errors. It was just lack of aggressiveness on the whole team.
“I think General McLane won most 50-50 balls and then when we had our chances, we just broke down with bad passes. ... Every ball went to their defense. Nothing got really behind them.”
Ahn scored an unassited goal at the 11th minute and Olson followed in the 14th. Benedict assisted McDermott’s score in the 27th minute before he added his own goal in the 32nd. McCallion’s goals came in the 52nd and 74th minutes.
Conneaut’s inaugural season came to an end following Wednesday’s defeat. So concludes the coaching career of Wise. He has spent 20 years coaching soccer, including since 2009 with Conneaut Area School District, and now plans to spend more time as a soccer referee.
“I’m proud for the seniors,” Wise said. “They got to taste the playoff experience.”
Today, the Lancers hope to avenge a 4-2 loss on Oct. 13 at Warren in order to have a shot at defending their district championship.
“I think we’re in a good spot mentally, so we’re looking forward to playing again (today),” Hopkins said.
10/23/2012: Conneaut Soccer Makes Second Playoff Appearance
10/23/2012: Conneaut Soccer Makes Second Playoff Appearance In 11 Year History
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
11 years of Conneaut Soccer and the 2012 boy's version is the second team out of 22 versions (both men's and women's) to taste playoff competition.
The only other version was the 2007 boys who lost in the first round.
The team before 2012 was officially called Conneaut Valley, even though players from Linesville, Conneaut Lake, and Conneaut Valley always played together; and actually most of the players were from either Lake or Linesville.
"The new name and new colors might not be a positive for the traditions of football for Linesville, Lake, and Valley but it's been a positive for soccer. When I played or when we played last year most of the kids are not from Valley, but we go by Valley. It's nice to see all the players rally around new colors and a new identity and so far it's been good for us," said Assistant Ryan Kozlowski.
"Consider it a new start and a new history. So far Conneaut Eagles soccer is a playoff caliber program and we will look to continue that tradition next year and for years to come," continued Kozlowski.
The Conneaut Eagles (9-7-2), in their first playoff appearance as a new program, will take on General McLane (10-6-2) at Franklin 5 p.m. next Wednesday.
"McLane is the favorite but have an easy conference after themselves and Harbor Creek. They only have one more win then us on the season. We've had our ups and downs, some big wins and some big losses. But, what the players need to understand is that the playoffs is a new season and there 3 games away from a D-10 title. A chance to put that in the new school cabinet and come back 20 years from now and tell your kids, 'look what dad won.' It's up to them if that's enough to inspire them," commented Assistant Coach Kozlowski.
10/20/2012: Hickory 3- Conneaut 1
10/20/2012: Hickory 3- Conneaut 1
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
Hickory scored early and Conneaut came out flat on a freezing last day of the season.
The only bright spot on a cold day was when Tanner Houck played a good ball through to Richard Moore, who finished once again, to make it 1-1 early in the second half.
But, instead of energizing Conneaut, the Eagles gave up two more goals to end the season on a sour note.
Nevertheless, 9-7-2 is a winning record and much better than the 2-16 of the previous season. The Eagles may still have an outside chance at playoffs.
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
Hickory scored early and Conneaut came out flat on a freezing last day of the season.
The only bright spot on a cold day was when Tanner Houck played a good ball through to Richard Moore, who finished once again, to make it 1-1 early in the second half.
But, instead of energizing Conneaut, the Eagles gave up two more goals to end the season on a sour note.
Nevertheless, 9-7-2 is a winning record and much better than the 2-16 of the previous season. The Eagles may still have an outside chance at playoffs.
10/18/2012: Meadville 3- Conneaut 2
10/18/2012: Meadville 3- Conneaut 2
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Men's Soccer Coach
The Conneaut boys (9-5-2) felt confident that they would have an easy time with Meadville at home for Senior Night.
They beat Meadville 2-1 earlier in the year at Meadville's Bender Field and Conneaut appeared to be on a role while Meadville at 2-13 were not.
But, while everything came to Conneaut easily yesterday against Commodore Perry, the Eagles looked out of sorts against the Bulldogs and struggled.
Freshman standout Cottrell McDonald for Meadville got the Bulldogs going with a goal 15 minutes in and would get a second late in the game to lead the Bulldogs to a 3-2 win.
Meadville went up 2-nil at half.
The second half started off well enough for Conneaut; as Eagles senior Josh Betts strike from 30 yards out deflected over the Bulldogs shot stopper and made it 2-1 with about 37 minutes left in the game.
Conneaut controlled most of the second half, desperate to win the game, but couldn't find many more legitimate scoring opportunities as Meadville's defense did a good job of frustrating the Eagles.
As it goes in soccer, Conneaut had about 80 percent of the possession second half but were caught off guard on a counter; as a nice ball that found Cottrell McDonald, who got one on one with the keeper, led to a calm finish to put the game to bed at 3-1 with about 7 minutes left.
"Meadville is the best 2-13 team I've ever seen. They have players who can play in Cottrell, Sam, and Dane Cessna. They worked hard and deserved the win. We were tired but should have came with the same intensity that we did yesterday and unfortunately Meadville had a little more in the tank, and appeared to have more direction to their play," said Conneaut assistant Ryan Kozlowski.
Tyler Bone (assisted by Nick Stockton) picked up an insurance goal with a minute and a half left to make it 3-2.
Conneaut dropped to 9-6-2 and put their playoff chances in jeopardy, but would have a chance to rebound and get into double digits wins Saturday against Hickory.
10/17/2012: Conneaut 5- Commodore Perry 1
H.S. SOCCER: Eagles continue playoff aspirations with big win
LINESVILLE — Being a Class AA squad in a Class A region, the Conneaut boys soccer team is well aware that it’s going to have to finish the season strong if it wants to be considered for a playoff spot in a couple weeks.And Wednesday against Commodore Perry, it was easy to see the urgency in the Eagles’ effort as they routed the Panthers 5-1 during a Region 1 matchup at Conneaut Area Senior High School.
“Yeah, we’re trying to get to the playoffs,” said Eagles forward Richard Moore. “It’s my senior year. I haven’t made it yet. ... And this was probably one of our better games. Everyone’s adrenaline is rushing. We’re right there.”
With yesterday’s win, Conneaut is now 9-5-2 on the season and 6-3-1 against Region 1 opponents. The Eagles have two matches left, both against non-region teams — today they host Meadville and on Saturday they travel to Hickory.
Should Conneaut win out, the team will have 11 wins. But the Eagles have to stack that up against a pretty crowded Class AA field, which includes Harbor Creek, General McLane, Wilmington, Franklin, Warren and Saegertown, each of which have double-digit wins on the year.
“We have some good wins this year,” said Conneaut coach Alan Wise. “We beat Saegertown. We beat Kennedy Catholic. And if we can beat Meadville (today) we’ll have beat them twice, a triple-A team. So, I hope our case holds up for the playoffs.
“But we’ve still got to do our job. We’ve got to win (today) and Saturday in Hickory.”
The Eagles wasted precious little time getting down to business yesterday against Perry (6-10, 4-7 Region 1). Just 53 seconds into the match, the Eagles had the Panthers’ net surrounded. Panthers goalie Trent McErlane deflected a shot by Conneaut’s Tyler Bone, but the rebound went right to Ethan Mona, who tapped it across the goal line.
Bone got his turn about 17 minutes later. Brandon Jackson forwarded a pass to Bone, who was all alone near the right sideline. Bone angled in and had a one-on-one with McErlane, whom he then stutter-stepped around and toed the ball into the net to push Conneaut’s lead to 2-0.
The Eagles added to that lead with around seven minutes remaining in the first half. Moore got behind the defense on a deep forwarding pass. McErlane stepped out to intercept it. Both players battled for the ball.
It squeaked free and both dived for it — McErlane with his hands, Moore with his cleats. Moore managed to kick the ball out of McErlane’s grip and it rolled to Tanner Houck, who was all alone near the right side of a wide-open goal. He buried it.
“Not to be selfish, but I was trying to go for my goal,” said Moore. “But I ended up kicking (the ball) off their goalie’s hands and then Tanner Houck went and put it in.”
Moore would eventually get a tally of his own halfway through the second period. He was well to the side of the goal when he batted a bouncing pass out of the air in front of him with the side of his foot, and that shot curled around McErlane and ripped the twine. Tanner Dittrich had the assist.
“Richard had a nice blast,” said Wise. “It was like, ‘Where did that come from?’”
Perry came up with its only goal about nine minutes later on a score by Seth Jaussen. But Conneaut pushed it back to a four-goal lead with 4:49 to play, when Dittrich, getting a nice forward feed from Kyle Ledford, beat McErlane on a one-on-one.
“I’m happy for the boys,” said Wise. “We made a couple formation changes this week and I think it’s helped. It definitely helped in the Kennedy game (on Monday) and it helped (Wednesday).
“So, we’re waiting for the big game (today) against Meadville. That’s a big rivalry. You might as well take the records and throw them out the window for those two teams. ... I think every game we played them the last four years has been a one-goal game.”
10/15/2012: Conneaut 1 - Kennedy Catholic 0
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
Kennedy Catholic came into this contest with a 12-1-1 record, while Conneaut's up and down season had them at a respectable 7-5-2.
With that in mind, many probably wouldn't have pegged the Conneaut Eagles traveling to Kennedy Catholic and putting up a win with the season that the other Eagles (of the golden variety) were having.
Yet a total team effort by every Conneaut Eagle that stepped on KC's soggy field led to Conneaut's best performance of the season.
Tanner Williams, Tommy Mullen, Josh Betts, and Chris Toth were resolute in defense.
Cole Snodgrass, Brandon Jackson, and Ethan Mona challenged in midfield.
While a striker triumvirate of Richard Moore, Tyler Bone, and Tanner Houck created havoc by pressing the back four of Kennedy with speed and pressure.
Overall, Conneaut had 10 shots on goal to Kennedy Catholic's 8, and the Conneaut Eagles had the better chances while KC rarely threatened.
Nevertheless, goalkeeper Nick Stockton had to be on the top of his game at moments and his clear outs to the strikers were spot on.
Conneaut pressed and pressed, and worked the over the top ball, but couldn't find a breakthrough.
Until the 63rd minute, as Conneaut's Tanner Williams pressed up the right side and then switched a beautiful ball to a wide open Cole Snodgrass who snuck unmarked on a back post run.
Snodgrass trapped the ball..
Then there was a second or two pause on the field..
As no one in the Conneaut or Kennedy Catholic camps could probably believe how open Snodgrass was, let alone Snodgrass..
Then it was just Snodgrass vs. KC's goalkeeper Cianci..
And Cole ripped a shot into the right back post and wheeled off in celebration.
Yet there were still 27 minutes to play and that's where not only the defense but all 11 players on the field for Conneaut stepped up and played team defense, won the 50-50 balls, and killed clock with clever play after clever play in the offensive third.
Kennedy Catholic's coaches, bench, and fans pleaded and pushed their eleven for an equalizer, but quite simply it wasn't their day; it was Conneaut's.
"This is the level of play our team is capable of when all eleven put their minds to a task. Unfortunately that desire by all eleven to win the 50-50 balls, to put pressure on the defense, and to challenge the other team, instead of laying off, hasn't always been there this season.
If we play like this we can beat 12-1 teams and compete with anyone. Hopefully the players put that in their back pocket and use that to inspire them the rest of this season," stated Coach Kozlowski.
With the win Conneaut improved to 8-5-2 overall and 5-3-1 in conference, while Kennedy Catholic dropped to 12-2-1 and 6-2-1 in conference.
Starters: GK- Nick Stockton, LB- Cole Snodgrass, CB- Josh Betts, SW- Tommy Mullen, RB- Tanner Williams, CM- Ethan Mona, CM- Brandon Jackson, LM- Richard Moore, RM- Brandon Moss, ST- Tyler Bone, ST- Tanner Houck
Substitutes: Chris Toth, Mark McLean, Luke Graham, Nick Moss
10/13/2012: Eagles Player Of The Week- Rich Moore (Week 6)
Richard Moore only had 1 assist to his name before his last four games; but in his last four games Moore has 4 goals and 2 assists.
Moore really got going this week against Sharpsville single handily keeping the Eagles in the game by being involved in all three goals, with two strikes and an assist.
Because of his play in the Sharpsville game, Moore is awarded with the player of week 6 award.
10/11/2012: Conneaut 3 - Sharpsville 3
10/11/2012: Conneaut 3 - Sharpsville 3
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
Last time Conneaut played Sharpsville at home they won comfortably 4-nil.
Therefore, Sharpsville appeared to be the perfect opponent to get the season back on track after losses to Grove City and Sharpsville.
The (7-5-1) Eagles got off to a great start when Richard Moore's cross found Brandon Moss in the six yard box a minute and 36 seconds in.
Moss stabbed at the ball and found the back of the net.
Eight minutes later, Moore would get on the end of freshman Brandon Haylett's pass (for Haylett's first point on the season and in his career) to make it 2-0.
Things were looking good for the Eagles and for interim Head Coach Ryan Kozlowski; as it appeared the Eagles were well on their way to another 4-nil (or higher) win against Sharpsville.
Then the Eagles defense and goalkeeping got a little lax, allowing a corner kick header and free kick goal later in the first half to allow (2-11) Sharpsville to climb back into the game at 2-2.
Coach Kozlowski kept with the game plan, and continued to keep with it in the second half as Sharpsville converted another dead ball opportunity, with another corner kick header.
"Why Sharpsville got back into the game came to two simple things, the defense wasn't winning the ball battle in their own box and the goalkeeper wasn't winning the ball in his own box. The offense created chances, the defense created a few for the other team," said Coach Kozlowski.
Down 3-2 Conneaut continued to battle and Richard Moore, with 25 minutes remaining in the second half, was once again the man turning the screws.
Moore raced down the right wing with the ball and fired a perfect upper 90 shot into the net to make it 3-3.
Then a few minutes later Moore won a penalty in the box after being tripped up by a Sharpsville defender, here was the Eagles chance to save what should have been an easy win.
Moore raised his hand to take it and Coach Kozlowski figured with two goals and an assist on the day Moore would be the man for the job.
Moore blasted it high.
Conneaut would create chance after chance for the final 20 minutes of the contest, out shooting Sharpsville by a 25-11 margin, but the opportunity to win the game had already passed.
Conneaut would go on to tie 3-3 improving to a 7-5-2 record, 4-3-1 in conference.
Starters: GK- Nick Stockton, LB- Cole Snodgrass, CB- Tanner Williams, SW- Tommy Mullen, RB- Brandon Haylett, RM- Brandon Moss, CM- Brandon Jackson, CM- Ethan Mona, LM- Luke Graham, ST- Tanner Dittrich, ST- Richard Moore
Substitutes: Nick Moss, Chris Toth, Pete Egan, Kyle Ledford, Mark McLean
Notables: * Richard Moore has 4 goals and 2 assists in the past 4 games showing a late season rise in his form
*Chris Toth played excellent in the second half at right back for Brandon Haylett
*Mark McLean and Tanner Dittrich almost scored on many occasions during a 10 minute portion of the second half.
10/9/2012: Mercer 6- Conneaut 0
10/9/2012: Mercer 6- Conneaut 0
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
With starters Tyler Bone and Tanner Houck out of action due to injury, Conneaut Head Coach Alan Wise decided to move Nick Stockton out of net for more skill in midfield.
In replacement, freshman Brandon Haylett got his first start in net for Conneaut and he couldn't have had a tougher opponent at 12-1 Mercer.
Conneaut went down the field to start the game and had a scoring opportunity right away, and then after that could barely muster a pass or two together as Mercer's conditioning, passing, and movement tore apart the Eagles.
This game against Mercer wasn't like Kennedy Catholic or Grove City where the scorelines gave the opposition more than they deserved, Mercer had 90 percent of the possession and scoring opportunities.
Conneaut without two of their midfield starters were powerless to limit Mercer, but did play better football in the second half only allowing two goals and gaining more possession.
However, a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Mercer drops Conneaut to 7-5-1 overall, and 4-3 in Region 1.
More alarmingly Conneaut were outscored in their last two outings by a 11-1 margin; as it appears Conneaut either plays really well or gets blown out this season.
They'll try to right the ship at Sharpsville on Thursday.
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
With starters Tyler Bone and Tanner Houck out of action due to injury, Conneaut Head Coach Alan Wise decided to move Nick Stockton out of net for more skill in midfield.
In replacement, freshman Brandon Haylett got his first start in net for Conneaut and he couldn't have had a tougher opponent at 12-1 Mercer.
Conneaut went down the field to start the game and had a scoring opportunity right away, and then after that could barely muster a pass or two together as Mercer's conditioning, passing, and movement tore apart the Eagles.
This game against Mercer wasn't like Kennedy Catholic or Grove City where the scorelines gave the opposition more than they deserved, Mercer had 90 percent of the possession and scoring opportunities.
Conneaut without two of their midfield starters were powerless to limit Mercer, but did play better football in the second half only allowing two goals and gaining more possession.
However, a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Mercer drops Conneaut to 7-5-1 overall, and 4-3 in Region 1.
More alarmingly Conneaut were outscored in their last two outings by a 11-1 margin; as it appears Conneaut either plays really well or gets blown out this season.
They'll try to right the ship at Sharpsville on Thursday.
10/8/2012: Eagles Player Of The Week- Tyler Bone (Week 5)
10/8/2012: Eagles Player Of The Week- Tyler Bone (Week 5)
Despite already receiving the honor in Week 1, Tyler Bone's 94th minute goal at Commodore Perry in 2OT was vital, in a game that Conneaut desperately needed to win.
On the week, Bone finished with a goal against Commodore Perry and three goals and an assist against West Middlesex.
Richard Moore with two goals and an assist on the week, Tanner Dittrich with a hat trick against West Middlesex, and Brandon Jackson with four assists and a goal were all a close second for the honor...
And would've easily of won the award in weeks with slimmer pickings...
10/6/2012: Grove City 5- Conneaut 1
10/6/2012: Grove City 5- Conneaut 1
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
Grove City, who were struggling in Region 2 at the time, came out firing against Conneaut scoring two minutes in.
"It really set us back. We had such high hopes that this game would be the one where we would elevate ourselves to another level; as it goes in soccer that didn't happen. But, you can't chuck out the game plan right away and you have to let things play out for a bit," was the rationale according to Coach Kozlowski.
Unfortunately the 3-4-3 employed against Commodore Perry and West Middlesex (the possible savior for the season) wasn't working out as swimmingly against Grove City.
Yet as the first half went on Conneaut played themselves back into the game and grew in confidence.
There resoluteness was rewarded 20 minutes in when Richard Moore's cross found the head of substitute Chris Toth, for his only goal of the year and Conneaut's only goal from a corner kick or free kick all year.
Converting in such a fashion to make it 1-1, from the corner kick, appeared to be a positive sign of things to come in the game.
Yet, once again, optimism would be punished; as Grove City caught Conneaut's thin defensive line on the counterattack and scored to make it 2-1, with four minutes remaining in the half.
A rousing half time talk, pleading to the Conneaut boys that they were still in this game at 2-1, could not lift the side's spirits.
While losing major contributors Tyler Bone and Tanner Houck for the second half to injury certainly didn't help.
A tepid second half performance led to three more Grove City goals to make it 5-1, surprisingly Grove City scored 5 goals from 5 shots on goal.
Conneaut could only muster 3 shots on goal and only one goal to show from it.
The side left frustrated dropping to 7-4-1 overall, thinking of what could've been.
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
Grove City, who were struggling in Region 2 at the time, came out firing against Conneaut scoring two minutes in.
"It really set us back. We had such high hopes that this game would be the one where we would elevate ourselves to another level; as it goes in soccer that didn't happen. But, you can't chuck out the game plan right away and you have to let things play out for a bit," was the rationale according to Coach Kozlowski.
Unfortunately the 3-4-3 employed against Commodore Perry and West Middlesex (the possible savior for the season) wasn't working out as swimmingly against Grove City.
Yet as the first half went on Conneaut played themselves back into the game and grew in confidence.
There resoluteness was rewarded 20 minutes in when Richard Moore's cross found the head of substitute Chris Toth, for his only goal of the year and Conneaut's only goal from a corner kick or free kick all year.
Converting in such a fashion to make it 1-1, from the corner kick, appeared to be a positive sign of things to come in the game.
Yet, once again, optimism would be punished; as Grove City caught Conneaut's thin defensive line on the counterattack and scored to make it 2-1, with four minutes remaining in the half.
A rousing half time talk, pleading to the Conneaut boys that they were still in this game at 2-1, could not lift the side's spirits.
While losing major contributors Tyler Bone and Tanner Houck for the second half to injury certainly didn't help.
A tepid second half performance led to three more Grove City goals to make it 5-1, surprisingly Grove City scored 5 goals from 5 shots on goal.
Conneaut could only muster 3 shots on goal and only one goal to show from it.
The side left frustrated dropping to 7-4-1 overall, thinking of what could've been.
10/3/2012: Conneaut 11- West Middlesex 0
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Conneaut Men's Assistant Coach
West Middlesex, without a win all season, are that team that you can pad the stats against.
The Conneaut boys at 6-3-1 overall, 3-2 in conference did just that.
Eight different players scored for Conneaut on their way to a 11-0 rout.
Tyler Bone collected a hat trick and an assist 25 minutes into the game, and then was rewarded with a rest for the next 55 minutes to prepare an ailing back for Grove City.
Brandon Jackson, the assist machine on the team, collected four more assists and a goal.
More importantly, offensive puzzle pieces who have been struggling production wise got their names on the board too.
Tanner Dittrich got a hat trick as well and Richard Moore expected to be a big puzzle piece, registered his first two goals in game 11 to go with his two assists on the season.
Cody Zinz and Josh Betts also found net at the beginning and end of the second half.
Brandon Jackson as previously mentioned had four assists, to go along with his production Tanner Houck, Tyler Bone, Brandon Moss, Pete Egan, Kyle Ledford, and Luke Graham each had one.
After a rough loss to KC last week, two positive victories against Commordore Perry and West Middlesex has Conneaut back at 7-3-1 overall and 4-2 in conference.
An important test comes up on Saturday as Conneaut faces off against fellow double AA side Grove City.
Starting lineup: GK- Nick Stockton, CB- Josh Betts, RB- Cody Zinz, LB- Tanner Williams, RM- Brandon Moss, LM- Cole Snodgrass, CM- Brandon Jackson, CM- Tanner Houck, LW- Richard Moore, RW- Tanner Dittrich, ST- Tyler Bone
Substitutes: Brandon Haylett, Luke Graham, Pete Egan, Mark McLean, Kyle Ledford, Chase Kean, Zach Baker, Nick Moss, Austin Pruitt, Josiah Uplinger
Shots on goal: Conneaut 30, West Middlesex 4
10/1/2012: Conneaut 1 - Commodore Perry 0
10/1/2012: Conneaut 1 - Commodore Perry 0
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Men's Assistant Coach
Losing their two pivotal conference games against Mercer (2-0) and Kennedy Catholic (5-0) in the prior two weeks, the Conneaut boys couldn't afford to lose more ground away to Commodore Perry.
Conneaut came into the match at their lowest conference standing, down to a tie for third at (2-2 in conference, 5-3-1 overall).
Commodore Perry also sat in third at 2-2 and were looking to banish any hope for Conneaut to reach the playoffs, or compete in the top half of the conference, by using their home field to their advantage.
On a soggy field, the Conneaut boys were prepared for a battle of attrition; and despite an edge in possession at 65 to 35 and out shooting Perry eventually 16 to 8, Conneaut struggled to get through the back line of the Panthers for 94 minutes.
Conneaut's best chances in the usual 80 minutes of contiguous play came early on, with a couple break away's that were flubbed wide and a hit post, but Conneaut could not break through.
As the game progressed into the second half, no matter who Conneaut put up top, they couldn't find space to exploit. Every single striker line consisting of Tyler Bone, Brandon Jackson, Tanner Houck, Tanner Williams, Richard Moore, Tanner Dittrich were all finding their path to goal blocked.
But, as the second half progressed it became quite obvious to the coaching staff who was the stronger side and who was putting more pressure on who's goal; as Commodore Perry were just hanging on in their defensive third and Perry's counterattacks became less and less as the second half continued to inch towards overtime.
Out of Perry's 8 shots on goal, 6 of them came in the first half.
Around the 70th minute, an exasperated Conneaut Men's Head Coach Alan Wise conferred with his assistant Ryan Kozlowski, "you got any ideas? because I'm out of them," after Wise tried everything in his bag of tricks.
Kozlowski mulled it over for a few minutes and came back to Wise..
"Were getting road blocked down the middle, our two strikers are too central and it's making easy work for Perry's four defenders. We need to spread them out, plus they haven't given us much to worry about defensively since early on. Let's go to a 3-4-3, Bone in the middle, Rich and T.D's speed out wide and spread them out."
After the Conneaut boy's were able to work out the kink's of the formation transition, Tanner Dittrich almost scored on a back post breakaway that skimmed wide in the 76th minute.
Then Tyler Bone got an open chance from twenty out in the 79th minute, but couldn't convert.
The pressure would compound as the whistle blew for overtime, as Tyler Bone and Richard Moore both found themselves on unconverted breakaways midway through the 1st OT of 10 minutes.
However, it was just a matter of time before the levy would break for Commodore Perry, and with six minutes remaining in the final overtime, Conneaut were able to once against spread the Perry defense.
A pass by Jackson out wide went to an unmarked Tyler Bone, in the 94th minute, who was able to run in uncontested to goal and apply the finish.
Elation ensued from Conneaut players, parents, and coaches as the Eagles improved to 6-3-1 overall, 3-2 in conference and had bottom dwellers West Middlesex next on the schedule.
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Men's Assistant Coach
Losing their two pivotal conference games against Mercer (2-0) and Kennedy Catholic (5-0) in the prior two weeks, the Conneaut boys couldn't afford to lose more ground away to Commodore Perry.
Conneaut came into the match at their lowest conference standing, down to a tie for third at (2-2 in conference, 5-3-1 overall).
Commodore Perry also sat in third at 2-2 and were looking to banish any hope for Conneaut to reach the playoffs, or compete in the top half of the conference, by using their home field to their advantage.
On a soggy field, the Conneaut boys were prepared for a battle of attrition; and despite an edge in possession at 65 to 35 and out shooting Perry eventually 16 to 8, Conneaut struggled to get through the back line of the Panthers for 94 minutes.
Conneaut's best chances in the usual 80 minutes of contiguous play came early on, with a couple break away's that were flubbed wide and a hit post, but Conneaut could not break through.
As the game progressed into the second half, no matter who Conneaut put up top, they couldn't find space to exploit. Every single striker line consisting of Tyler Bone, Brandon Jackson, Tanner Houck, Tanner Williams, Richard Moore, Tanner Dittrich were all finding their path to goal blocked.
But, as the second half progressed it became quite obvious to the coaching staff who was the stronger side and who was putting more pressure on who's goal; as Commodore Perry were just hanging on in their defensive third and Perry's counterattacks became less and less as the second half continued to inch towards overtime.
Out of Perry's 8 shots on goal, 6 of them came in the first half.
Around the 70th minute, an exasperated Conneaut Men's Head Coach Alan Wise conferred with his assistant Ryan Kozlowski, "you got any ideas? because I'm out of them," after Wise tried everything in his bag of tricks.
Kozlowski mulled it over for a few minutes and came back to Wise..
"Were getting road blocked down the middle, our two strikers are too central and it's making easy work for Perry's four defenders. We need to spread them out, plus they haven't given us much to worry about defensively since early on. Let's go to a 3-4-3, Bone in the middle, Rich and T.D's speed out wide and spread them out."
After the Conneaut boy's were able to work out the kink's of the formation transition, Tanner Dittrich almost scored on a back post breakaway that skimmed wide in the 76th minute.
Then Tyler Bone got an open chance from twenty out in the 79th minute, but couldn't convert.
The pressure would compound as the whistle blew for overtime, as Tyler Bone and Richard Moore both found themselves on unconverted breakaways midway through the 1st OT of 10 minutes.
However, it was just a matter of time before the levy would break for Commodore Perry, and with six minutes remaining in the final overtime, Conneaut were able to once against spread the Perry defense.
A pass by Jackson out wide went to an unmarked Tyler Bone, in the 94th minute, who was able to run in uncontested to goal and apply the finish.
Elation ensued from Conneaut players, parents, and coaches as the Eagles improved to 6-3-1 overall, 3-2 in conference and had bottom dwellers West Middlesex next on the schedule.
9/29/2012: Eagles Player of the Week- Tanner Houck (Week 4)
9/29/2012: Player of the Week- Tanner Houck (Week 4)
Senior midfielder turned (for this week) striker, Tanner Houck, had a very productive game against Sharpsville registering two goals and an assist in the first half; being involved in three goals on the way to a 4-0 victory at home against Sharpsville.
Houck missed out on a hat trick against Sharpsville with a few close calls, including a missed breakaway and a hit post.
Against Kennedy Catholic on Wednesday in a 5-nil defeat, Houck had a couple misses early on that would've changed that game as well.
Senior midfielder turned (for this week) striker, Tanner Houck, had a very productive game against Sharpsville registering two goals and an assist in the first half; being involved in three goals on the way to a 4-0 victory at home against Sharpsville.
Houck missed out on a hat trick against Sharpsville with a few close calls, including a missed breakaway and a hit post.
Against Kennedy Catholic on Wednesday in a 5-nil defeat, Houck had a couple misses early on that would've changed that game as well.
9/27/2012: Kennedy Catholic 5- Conneaut 0
9/27/2012: Kennedy Catholic 5- Conneaut 0
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Men's Assistant Coach
After a 4-0-1 start to the season, the Conneaut boys stumbled to two straight defeats against Mercer (2-0) and Saegertown (6-0), after a win on Monday against Sharpsville (4-0) the Conneaut boys were hoping that their season was back on track.
Another win, against Kennedy Catholic, on Wednesday could really get Conneaut back online in the conference and playoff chase.
But, against Kennedy Catholic, the Conneaut boys would have a fight on their hands..
And oddly enough Kennedy Catholic would slink off to a 5-nil win in the end; despite both teams being even on 9 shots in the contest and having about 50 percent possession between the two.
In the first half, it took a good 35 minutes for Kennedy Catholic to reach the breakthrough. As KC's goalkeeper Cianci punted the ball to his striker line, a quick deflected shot led to a corner.
On the corner, Conneaut failed to pick up their man assignments and challenge for the ball, allowing a KC striker to apply the header finish from only four yards from net.
That would be the story of the day, as Kennedy Catholic would score four of their five goals from either free kicks or corners.
"It was an odd day... You finish with the same amount of shots and possession. But, you end up 5-nil down.
I think we had the better quality chances the first 30 minutes of the game. But, we don't know how to finish them, put that dagger in the opposing team, and that came back to cost us as Catholic grew in confidence as the first half went on," said Assistant Mens Coach Ryan Kozlowski.
"Then we absolutely didn't challenge for headers in our own box in the second half and wonder why were down 3 or 4-nil. Their high school kids and some are going to shy away from a header at midfield perhaps once in a while, can deal with that from time to time, but not in our own box, in the danger area."
With the win, Kennedy Catholic jumps to 3-1 in the conference and 6-1 overall; while Conneaut falls to 2-2 and 5-3-1.
The Conneaut boys will look to rebound against Commodore Perry next Monday.
CONNEAUT MEN'S SOCCER BLOG
By Ryan Kozlowski, Men's Assistant Coach
After a 4-0-1 start to the season, the Conneaut boys stumbled to two straight defeats against Mercer (2-0) and Saegertown (6-0), after a win on Monday against Sharpsville (4-0) the Conneaut boys were hoping that their season was back on track.
Another win, against Kennedy Catholic, on Wednesday could really get Conneaut back online in the conference and playoff chase.
But, against Kennedy Catholic, the Conneaut boys would have a fight on their hands..
And oddly enough Kennedy Catholic would slink off to a 5-nil win in the end; despite both teams being even on 9 shots in the contest and having about 50 percent possession between the two.
In the first half, it took a good 35 minutes for Kennedy Catholic to reach the breakthrough. As KC's goalkeeper Cianci punted the ball to his striker line, a quick deflected shot led to a corner.
On the corner, Conneaut failed to pick up their man assignments and challenge for the ball, allowing a KC striker to apply the header finish from only four yards from net.
That would be the story of the day, as Kennedy Catholic would score four of their five goals from either free kicks or corners.
"It was an odd day... You finish with the same amount of shots and possession. But, you end up 5-nil down.
I think we had the better quality chances the first 30 minutes of the game. But, we don't know how to finish them, put that dagger in the opposing team, and that came back to cost us as Catholic grew in confidence as the first half went on," said Assistant Mens Coach Ryan Kozlowski.
"Then we absolutely didn't challenge for headers in our own box in the second half and wonder why were down 3 or 4-nil. Their high school kids and some are going to shy away from a header at midfield perhaps once in a while, can deal with that from time to time, but not in our own box, in the danger area."
With the win, Kennedy Catholic jumps to 3-1 in the conference and 6-1 overall; while Conneaut falls to 2-2 and 5-3-1.
The Conneaut boys will look to rebound against Commodore Perry next Monday.
9/25/2012: Conneaut 4- Sharpsville 0
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The game of soccer is mainly about anticipation.
If you anticipate correctly, getting to the ball first in the process, usually good things will happen.
Today, Conneaut's strikers Tanner Houck and Tanner Williams were anticipating passes and making the right through runs, midfielder Tyler Bone was anticipating and winning any ball that dropped into the midfield on a defensive clear, and defensive midfielder Cody Zinz was snuffing out and anticipating any ball that came into his zone restarting the attack.
The result was that Sharpsville could never get comfortable at Conneaut; as Conneaut were back to their winning ways, and after being blanked the last two outings, Conneaut were (almost as importantly) back to goal scoring.
The first goal came 7 minutes in for Conneaut, as Brandon Jackson slotted a ball right down Highway 6 to Tanner Houck (who shot a carbon copy opportunity right at the goalie a minute earlier), but this time timed the run perfectly and slotted it home making it 1-nil Eagles.
The Eagles took their time getting their second to put the game effectively out of reach, but around the 30th minute goalscorer became provider; as Houck set up an overlapping Tyler Bone, who rarely misses such opportunities, finding the twine' by curving it around the keeper to make it 2-nil.
Just before half, Tyler Bone would return the favor to Houck; as Bone would beat an offsides trap, with a scoop pass over the top, and Houck collected the chip and finished it upper 90 off the woodwork to make it 3-nil.
The third goal, Bone to Houck, is right up there as one of the prettiest goals and assists of this season.
In the second half, Conneaut rested a few players to prepare for Kennedy Catholic on Thursday and focused more on a defensive shutout, as a result the opportunities were less.
Sharpsville could only muster 5 shots to Conneaut's 25, most of them being long ones in the second half.
However, just when it looked like the Eagles had put away their shooting boots for the day, Conneaut would score one more with ten minutes remaining in the contest; as Richard Moore made a nice move, beating a defender, and then Moore sent a perfect through ball to Mark McLean.
McLean, who had the winning assist against Saegertown earlier in the year, put his body on the line to get to the ball and got a shiner in the process- but his deflected shot trickled into the net to make it 4-0 Conneaut.
With the win, Conneaut improves to 5-2-1, retaking third place; a win against Kennedy Catholic on Thursday would improve Conneaut to 6-2-1 and 3-1 in conference and move them up to second place.
If Conneaut can anticipate and play in a similar manner as they did this evening, they should have the confidence at home to put themselves in a good place against Catholic, and then get themselves on a run the week after at Commodore Perry and at home against West Middlesex.
Starters~ ST- Tanner Houck, ST- Tanner Williams, RW- Brandon Moss, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, LW- Ethan Mona, DM- Cody Zinz, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes~ Nick Moss, Mark McLean, Richard Moore, Tanner Dittrich, Pete Egan, Chris Toth, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford
OTHER GAME NOTES: *Tanner Dittrich was unlucky on three or four opportunities not to open his goal scoring account on the season, as Dittrich had one of his best games of 2012 so far.
* Nick Moss impressed with 30 minutes of Varsity time and two powerful free kick goals in the Varsity 2 game to propel the JV's to a 2-1 win as well.
9/20/2012: Saegertown 6- Conneaut 0
9/20/2012: Saegertown 6- Conneaut 0
Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
Once in a while a game really doesn't go your way..
Doesn't matter if you're the New York Yankees and win a World Series or you're the Miami Heat and win a NBA Championship; look at either team's seasons and they'll have one game, if not 5 to 10, where they lost big time by 10 runs or 25 points.
Unfortunately for Conneaut today was that one game.
The Conneaut Eagles came to Saegertown's home field on a day's rest, if you can call it that with a full day of school in between; however, it shouldn't of been a major disadvantage for Conneaut as Saegertown were also coming into the contest on a day's rest.
The only major difference being that the Eagles were downed 2-0 the day before by their toughest league opponent Mercer, whereas Saegertown was a surprise 4-2 winner over their toughest league opponent Warren.
As a result, theoretically, the Eagles were flying into the wrong tree with a hornet's nest..
The Panthers were stirred up- partly from a resounding win over perennial power Warren and partly from being defeated at Conneaut the first time the teams met this season in the last 25 seconds of that game; the Panthers may have felt hard done last go around and from minute one Saegertown appeared ready to strike.
And it wasn't long after minute one, as three minutes in Matt Schenberg had his first goal for Saegertown (adding to his hat trick the day prior).
15 minutes after the first one went in for Saegertown it was 4-0 before Conneaut could even reach the 20th minute mark.
Conneaut Head Coach, Alan Wise, decided that the starters heads may have been in the wrong place (exhaustion from three games in four days, nagging injuries, lack of focus after first loss) and threw in the junior varsity to see if they could do better; the J.V. did there all but Saegertown scored two more to make it 6-0 at half.
The Conneaut coaching staff wanted to sit the starters out, let them think about their first 20 minutes, and then put them back out there in the second half to see if their performance would improve.
And it did, Conneaut were unlucky to score a few in the second half, as they had 5 or 6 legitimate scoring opportunities to zero for Saegertown (who played starters the entire second half as well).
Nevertheless, as the whole day went- even one goal wasn't meant to be.
A road game that Conneaut would likely want to quickly forget, dropping them to 4-2-1; while Saegertown improves to 7-2.
Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
Once in a while a game really doesn't go your way..
Doesn't matter if you're the New York Yankees and win a World Series or you're the Miami Heat and win a NBA Championship; look at either team's seasons and they'll have one game, if not 5 to 10, where they lost big time by 10 runs or 25 points.
Unfortunately for Conneaut today was that one game.
The Conneaut Eagles came to Saegertown's home field on a day's rest, if you can call it that with a full day of school in between; however, it shouldn't of been a major disadvantage for Conneaut as Saegertown were also coming into the contest on a day's rest.
The only major difference being that the Eagles were downed 2-0 the day before by their toughest league opponent Mercer, whereas Saegertown was a surprise 4-2 winner over their toughest league opponent Warren.
As a result, theoretically, the Eagles were flying into the wrong tree with a hornet's nest..
The Panthers were stirred up- partly from a resounding win over perennial power Warren and partly from being defeated at Conneaut the first time the teams met this season in the last 25 seconds of that game; the Panthers may have felt hard done last go around and from minute one Saegertown appeared ready to strike.
And it wasn't long after minute one, as three minutes in Matt Schenberg had his first goal for Saegertown (adding to his hat trick the day prior).
15 minutes after the first one went in for Saegertown it was 4-0 before Conneaut could even reach the 20th minute mark.
Conneaut Head Coach, Alan Wise, decided that the starters heads may have been in the wrong place (exhaustion from three games in four days, nagging injuries, lack of focus after first loss) and threw in the junior varsity to see if they could do better; the J.V. did there all but Saegertown scored two more to make it 6-0 at half.
The Conneaut coaching staff wanted to sit the starters out, let them think about their first 20 minutes, and then put them back out there in the second half to see if their performance would improve.
And it did, Conneaut were unlucky to score a few in the second half, as they had 5 or 6 legitimate scoring opportunities to zero for Saegertown (who played starters the entire second half as well).
Nevertheless, as the whole day went- even one goal wasn't meant to be.
A road game that Conneaut would likely want to quickly forget, dropping them to 4-2-1; while Saegertown improves to 7-2.
9/19/2012: Conneaut Falls During Region 1 Clash
9/17/2012: Conneaut Falls During Region 1 Clash
By Lisa Byers, The Meadville Tribune
But the Eagles entered their Region 1 boys soccer showdown against the Mustangs with a bit of a chip on their shoulders.
See, this spring members from both teams met on the field during travel season. And following that game, Mercer made the prediction that during the fall high school season it would beat the Eagles 16-0, according to Conneaut head coach Alan Wise.
So going into Wednesday’s contest at Conneaut Area Senior High, the Eagles had a couple of goals. They wanted to prove the Mustangs wrong of their earlier theory and improve upon their unbeaten record and maintain their position atop the Region 1 standings.
The Eagles accomplished one of those feats.
Chase Hoffman scored in the first half off an assist by Will Juergens with what wound up being the lone goal Mercer would need as the Mustangs topped Conneaut 2-0.
Conneaut fell to 4-1-1 overall and 1-1 in Region 1 with the loss. Mercer improved to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the region. The shutout was Mercer goal keeper Alan Rabold’s sixth of the season.
“We give them too much respect,” Wise said. “They deserve the respect they have because they’re a good team, but the first 10 minutes they’re up on their bench arguing and whatever. So we took it to them for 10 minutes and then don’t ask me why, but we backed off.”
After that first 10 minutes, Mercer grabbed control and had possession on its end of the field for much of the final 70 minutes. It was the play of the Eagles’ defense led by Thomas Mullen and goalie Nick Stockton that kept Conneaut in the game.
“It’s nice to respect a team,” Wise said, “But you play the game aggressively. We aren’t as aggressive as we need to be at times and that kind of showed.”
Hoffman gave the Mustangs a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute of the opening half. Zachary Kroll’s inbound throw was near the net and as Stockton came out to scoop the ball, Hoffman sailed a shot past him into the right corner of the goal.
Conneaut had gone into the game unsure that Hoffman, the reigning Region 1 Player of the Year, would even be playing. Hoffman suffered a torn meniscus a week ago and was scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday. But the junior and his family opted to postpone surgery until the end of the season.
Hoffman’s goal wound up being the lone goal of the first half. Conneaut had its best shot at tying the contest just a minute into the second half, but Tanner Houck’s shot was just wide to the right.
Mercer put the game away in the 50th minute on a 25-yard boot by Matt Juergens.
“It was a big win in sorts,” Mercer coach Ryan Hoffman said. “We go into a game with a target on our back because we’re the two-time defending region champs.
“We have to keep the guys motivated going into every game. In our region, Conneaut has obviously stepped up. We played them through the spring and we knew what they had coming back. Our region is tough as far as spread out with good teams.”
The key for Conneaut now is putting Wednesday’s loss behind it and focusing on its next task, which happens to be a rematch with county rival and non-region foe Saegertown today at French Creek Valley Christian School.
Conneaut handed the Panthers their first loss of the year on Sept. 10 in the final 25 seconds with a goal by Tyler Bone.
“It’s only one game out of 18,” Wise said of the Mercer contest. “I’m positive. We have a game (today) against Saegertown and we need to get back on the winning track.”
Mercer had just six shots on goal for the game. Conneaut was limited to one.
9/19/2012: Mercer 2- Conneaut 0
9/19/2012: Mercer 2- Conneaut 0By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles (4-0-1) knew coming in against Mercer (5-1-0) that it was always going to be a tough match.
Nevertheless, Conneaut didn't look too phased for the first 10 to 15 minutes of the contest as they took it to Mercer.
Tactically, the Eagles added another body in midfield, in a four-man square formation behind the striker, to hopefully help win the midfield battle against Mercer; and it appeared to be working as the Eagles passed around Mercer and created the first two opportunities of the game.
Unfortunately, neither opportunity could be converted and Mercer finally got out of their funk, getting back on the front foot in the game.
After Mercer had a few close shaves at a goal, the Conneaut side started to bunker, hurting themselves, and their chances to match Mercer in midfield.
Around the 25th minute, Mercer's two most dangerous players connected, as Will Juergens ball was lofted into the penalty box of Conneaut; Mercer's Chase Hoffman was the opportunist pouncing on the loose ball before three Conneaut defenders or goalkeeper Nick Stockton could do so, firing it far corner to make it 1-nil.
The defense received praise nevertheless by Conneaut Head Coach Alan Wise, for limiting Mercer to just six shots the entire game, quite a feet; as not many sides limit Mercer to under 10 shots a game or 15, let alone six.
Mainstay defenders Josh Betts, Tommy Mullen, and Cole Snodgrass received the team MVP awards for that performance.
Unfortunately, for them Mercer didn't need many shots (as it sometimes goes in soccer, as Saegertown had 12 shots the previous week and couldn't score against Conneaut, where Mercer had six and scored two); and that second goal was scored in the 50th minute by Will Juergens, taking the wind out of the Conneaut sails after an improved Eagles start to the second half.
Conneaut continued to try to press the issue as the half went on, but found trouble getting out of their defensive third and succumbed to their first loss of the season as a result.
For Conneaut (4-1-1) their opposition will not get easier tomorrow against a high flying Saegertown (5-0-2) side, that just defeated top side Warren.
9/18/2012: VIDEO Highlights- Conneaut 9 vs. West Middlesex 1
The following is a video highlight of about 5 minutes of the action from Conneaut at West Middlesex.
Included are about four of the teams 9 goals, as well as many other opportunities to score.
Look forward to hopefully another video the day after the Mercer game as well.
Highlights~
9/17/2012: Conneaut 9 - West Middlesex 1
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
A soaring Eagles team at (3-0-1) were unlikely to be denied a fourth win and first conference win against West Middlesex (0-4-0).
It did not take Conneaut long to score as 2 minutes into the game Brett Birkmire scored, unassisted. Then Birkmire followed that up by assisting on a Tyler Bone goal.
A few minutes after that, Brett Birkmire scored yet another goal thanks to the service of Richard Moore. Around the 15th minute mark, Brandon Jackson's pass freed up Birkmire again one-on-one with the keeper and Birkmire finished to secure a hat trick.
Birkmire finished with 4 goals and 1 assist, not bad for his first game of the season.
Overall, along with Brett, Tyler Bone had two goals (for a team leading 6), and Brandon Jackson, Pete Egan, and Ethan Mona all had one goal.
Jackson, who leads the team with assists with 6, picked up two more against West Middlesex as well. Chris Toth, Brandon Moss, Tyler Bone, Luke Graham, Brett Birkmire all additionally got on the assist board.
The Eagles were up 7-0 by the 25th minute mark and started to funnel in the substitutions. One substitute, first year Chase Vickers, was blown for a soft penalty in West Middlesex's box that led to a penalty kick opportunity.
Senior goalkeeper Nick Stockton stopped the first attempt, but was adjudged to come off of his line too quickly, so West Middlesex got a second crack and converted their lone goal of the game.
Conneaut added two more in the second half, a fourth for Brett Birkmire and a first varsity goal for Sophomore striker Pete Egan.
Conneaut improved to (4-0-1) and will have one off day to get ready for a much tougher opponent in Mercer (5-1-0).
Starting lineup:ST- Richard Moore, ST- Brett Birkmire, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, RW- Tanner Williams, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used: Nick Moss, Cody Zinz, Luke Graham, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Chris Toth, Pete Egan
9/16/2012: Eagles Player Of The Week- Brandon Moss (Week 2)
Sophomore Brandon Moss has been a revelation on the right wing this season, starting four of five games on that side so far in 2012.
The coaching staff originally was hoping to slot Justin Ledford on the right wing, but Ledford decided to play for Conneaut's High School Football team instead.
Moss, who rarely played on the wing as a freshman in 2011, was put out there in a practice early in 2012 and has never left the position since.
Moss is able to get up and down, has accurate crosses, which has led to him hooking up back post with his left winger, Ethan Mona, on two separate occasions.
The more important of the two, was the opening goal against Meadville; where Moss ripped past two Meadville defenseman, got to the endline, and sent in a perfect ball back post for winger Ethan Mona to finish with ease.
9/15/2012: Conneaut 2 - Meadville 1
9/15/2012: Conneaut 2 - Meadville 1
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles on the prior Tuesday won against Saegertown with 25 seconds left.
Against Meadville they decided to once again live life on the edge, as it took until the final minutes for the Eagles to break the deadlock for the second time; this time senior Tanner Houck finished with a minute and 27 seconds remaining.
The 2-1 result was deserved with the second half performance Conneaut had against Meadville, but not so much with the first half performance.
Conneaut scored 14 minutes into the game when Brandon Moss sent a pinpoint cross back post, dropping the ball right into left winger Ethan Mona's run who applied an easy finish; quite possibly the best goal yet.
However, the goal didn't ignite Conneaut but instead slowed them down.
Overconfidence, possibly stemming from a previous scrimmage against Meadville where Conneaut held 75% percent of the possession and 25 shots to 4, put Conneaut in coast mode for the rest of the first half.
And as it goes in soccer, if you give an opponent opportunities to build on and build on, they'll eventually make you pay.
Meadville, feeling pretty good about their 4-4 tie with Erie East the day prior, would tie it up once again with 7 minutes left in the first half to make it 1-1.
A locker room talk at half, encouraging Conneaut to get out of coast mode and take it to Meadville seemed to do the trick, as second half Conneaut came out re-energized as a different side.
The Eagles put a first half that was probably their worst behind them, and followed it up with their best 40 minutes this season.
Everyone passed well, everyone battled, everyone moved without the ball, and when that happens opportunities start to present themselves.
Conneaut was outshot by Meadville first half 8 to 4, and turned that on it's head in the second half by outshooting Meadville 6 to 1 for a 10 to 9 overall advantage.
The best opportunity to present itself early in the second half was in the 58th minute when senior striker Tanner Williams made a nice move and then was chopped down in the box by a Meadville defenseman.
Tyler Bone, who to this point was Mr. Clutch for Conneaut soccer, stepped up to the penalty spot and shot a weak one right at the keeper; which was probably justified as the penalty call was a bit soft.
No worries. In soccer you have to have a short memory and Conneaut has showed themselves to have one, as they just kept playing and receiving more opportunities.
Richard Moore, who probably had his best half yet, did a phenomenal job at striker in the second half by connecting passes and being a nuisance; his performance led to a break away against the keeper in the 71st minute, but with half a net wide open to pass to, Moore discouragingly allowed the goalkeeper to cut down the angle and make a save.
But, however frustrating, Conneaut kept plugging away and believing; and with a minute and 27 seconds left- a melee in the box finally found the ball at Tanner Houck's feet, from 18 yards out, and the senior buried it.
The Conneaut coaches joked with the starters after the game, pleading for them to score earlier; but, nevertheless two game winners in the last two minutes of the last two games, is a sign of a good team.
Good teams find a way to win no matter what and Conneaut did so improving to 3-0-1.
Starting lineup:ST- Mark McLean, ST- Tanner Williams, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used:Richard Moore, Tanner Dittrich, Nick Moss, Cody Zinz, Luke Graham, Chase Vickers, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford, Chris Toth
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles on the prior Tuesday won against Saegertown with 25 seconds left.
Against Meadville they decided to once again live life on the edge, as it took until the final minutes for the Eagles to break the deadlock for the second time; this time senior Tanner Houck finished with a minute and 27 seconds remaining.
The 2-1 result was deserved with the second half performance Conneaut had against Meadville, but not so much with the first half performance.
Conneaut scored 14 minutes into the game when Brandon Moss sent a pinpoint cross back post, dropping the ball right into left winger Ethan Mona's run who applied an easy finish; quite possibly the best goal yet.
However, the goal didn't ignite Conneaut but instead slowed them down.
Overconfidence, possibly stemming from a previous scrimmage against Meadville where Conneaut held 75% percent of the possession and 25 shots to 4, put Conneaut in coast mode for the rest of the first half.
And as it goes in soccer, if you give an opponent opportunities to build on and build on, they'll eventually make you pay.
Meadville, feeling pretty good about their 4-4 tie with Erie East the day prior, would tie it up once again with 7 minutes left in the first half to make it 1-1.
A locker room talk at half, encouraging Conneaut to get out of coast mode and take it to Meadville seemed to do the trick, as second half Conneaut came out re-energized as a different side.
The Eagles put a first half that was probably their worst behind them, and followed it up with their best 40 minutes this season.
Everyone passed well, everyone battled, everyone moved without the ball, and when that happens opportunities start to present themselves.
Conneaut was outshot by Meadville first half 8 to 4, and turned that on it's head in the second half by outshooting Meadville 6 to 1 for a 10 to 9 overall advantage.
The best opportunity to present itself early in the second half was in the 58th minute when senior striker Tanner Williams made a nice move and then was chopped down in the box by a Meadville defenseman.
Tyler Bone, who to this point was Mr. Clutch for Conneaut soccer, stepped up to the penalty spot and shot a weak one right at the keeper; which was probably justified as the penalty call was a bit soft.
No worries. In soccer you have to have a short memory and Conneaut has showed themselves to have one, as they just kept playing and receiving more opportunities.
Richard Moore, who probably had his best half yet, did a phenomenal job at striker in the second half by connecting passes and being a nuisance; his performance led to a break away against the keeper in the 71st minute, but with half a net wide open to pass to, Moore discouragingly allowed the goalkeeper to cut down the angle and make a save.
But, however frustrating, Conneaut kept plugging away and believing; and with a minute and 27 seconds left- a melee in the box finally found the ball at Tanner Houck's feet, from 18 yards out, and the senior buried it.
The Conneaut coaches joked with the starters after the game, pleading for them to score earlier; but, nevertheless two game winners in the last two minutes of the last two games, is a sign of a good team.
Good teams find a way to win no matter what and Conneaut did so improving to 3-0-1.
Starting lineup:ST- Mark McLean, ST- Tanner Williams, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used:Richard Moore, Tanner Dittrich, Nick Moss, Cody Zinz, Luke Graham, Chase Vickers, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford, Chris Toth
9/10/2012: Conneaut 1- Saegertown 0
By Lisa Byers, The Meadville Tribune
Sometimes it all comes down to intuition.
With its back against the wall and time winding down in a 0-0 game, Conneaut head boys soccer coach Alan Wise decided to move junior midfielder Tyler Bone to the striker position.
Moments later, Bone took a pass from Mark McLean and dribbled down field with one player to beat. Then with just 25 seconds left in regulation, Bone got off a shot that slipped past an outstretched Ross Ferguson in goal to give the Eagles a thrilling 1-0 win over Saegertown in non-regioan action.
Conneaut improved to 2-0-1 on the year with it's third shutout. The loss was the first of the season for the Panthers, who fell to 4-1.
"We weren't doing a lot of things well, but enough to keep us in the game," Wise said. "So I made a last minute decision there - not that I'm some genius - to take Tyler Bone and move him up to striker.
"Mark McLean crossed over a nice ball and Tyler beat the goalie. That's all it came down to. If the goalie was there one split second earlier, we're going into overtime and who knows what happens."
Bone's goal saved what was otherwise a game dominated by the Panthers. In the first half, Saegertown was in control as Matt Schenberg, Jesse Bates, and Peter Mattocks took turns pelting Conneaut goalkeeper Nick Stockton with shot after shot. Unfortunately for the Panthers, those shots either sailed high or wide, wound up right in the hands of Stockton or were negated by penalty.
In fact, one of the Panthers' best scoring opportunities came at the 22-minute mark of the first half when Schenberg found an open Mattocks coming down the left sideline. Mattocks took the pass and booted it into the net untouched, but the Panthers were whistled for offsides on the play.
"It was pretty high pressure in the first half," Stockton said. "Our team is better than it was last year, but we have been consistently not playing well in the first half."
Saegertown kept the pressure on through the first part of the second half. It was a shot by Ethan Mona that ricocheted off Saegertown defenseman Greg Bras and sailed just left of the goal with 17 minutes to play that seemed to light a fire under the Eagles. And it ended with a bang.
"I knew I was going to make it all the way," Bone said, "because (Ferguson) didn't come out fast enough. I knew I had him beat."
Lucky No. 7.
"They outshot us 14-7," Wise said. "But lucky 7.... We put the seventh one in. I'm proud of the boys. I'm glad they persevered and realized that even with not playing a good game (Monday) that if you hang in there good things can happen."
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Despite The Meadville Tribune saying the game was dominated by Saegertown, that wasn't quite the case. The game was more of a tale of two halves, Conneaut gave Saegertown too much respect and room in the first half and didn't make the best passes in the offensive third in the first half.
As the second half went on, Conneaut grew in confidence and possession and played themselves more into the game. Saegertown were denied of dangerous opportunities in the second half, as Conneaut outshot them 5-3 in that stanza and as the half went on Conneaut had more belief which culminated in the goal with just 25 seconds remaining.
Not every game will our team, or nearly any team, win the possession and shot battle every time. Sometimes you have to play a little differently against different opponents to put yourself in a winning position.
Starting lineup: ST- Tanner Dittrich, ST- Tanner Williams, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used: Richard Moore, Nick Moss, Cody Zinz, Luke Graham, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Chris Toth
9/6/2012: Eagles Player Of The Week- Tyler Bone (Week 1)
Junior Tyler Bone was inches away from the game winner against Girard on 9/1/2012, but made up for it with a hat trick performance against Titusville 3 days later.
The central defender, who was converted to midfield general in 2012, in an attempt to get Bone's talent further up the field has been asked to carry more of the load for the Conneaut Eagles.
Bone responded in due course with a hat trick and is up as well for GoErie.com's breakout player of week one.
9/4/2012: Conneaut 3 - Titusville 0
9/4/2012: Conneaut 3 - Titusville 0
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles were misfortunate to leave their opener with just a tie. But, the side attempted to be positive; as it goes in soccer if you take care of business at home and tie on the road, your usually going to be in good shape.
Conneaut looked more confident on their home field with their passing and overall effort from the onset. It took Tyler Bone 11 minutes to open his, as well as Conneaut's, goal scoring account on the 2012 season.
Brandon Jackson laid the ball off for Tyler Bone, about 20 yards out, and Bone caught the goalkeeper going the wrong way and lofted a ball into the far corner.
The relief was apparent for the Conneaut side, yet despite out shooting Titusville 24 to 4, and pelting the Titusville net with misfire after misfire, the Eagles really didn't threaten for the next 30 minutes with anything substantial.
As time progressed in the game and the score stayed at 1-0, that little seed of 2011 doubt starting creeping in, as Conneaut began to wonder if Titusville might luck themselves into a goal and a tie.
And as it goes, you think it and it almost happens, as things got shaky for Conneaut's senior goalkeeper Nick Stockton around the 60th minute; Stockton came out for a ball and couldn't get to it, a Titusville player pounced on it and hit a rocket to net, but senior Josh Betts backed up his goalkeeper and made a goal line save to make it 1-0.
A huge goal line save that appeared to kick Conneaut's offense back into gear.
Junior Tyler Bone, a player expected to step up and lead in the midfield, took over the game minutes later and pushed farther up into the striker line at times. Bone started beating 3 or 4 Titusville players and working one-two combinations with midfield partner Brandon Jackson.
The improved performance in midfield started to pay dividends as Jackson set Bone up with a beautiful pass, from 20 yards out again, and Bone fired this one into the net, at the 70th minute mark, to make it 2-0.
Three minutes later Jackson set Bone up with a carbon copy play, using the mantra if it's working- keep working it, and Bone scored again to secure a hat trick.
With 3 assists for Brandon Jackson and 3 goals by Tyler Bone, it appeared that Conneaut finally found their midfield duo.
Starting lineup: ST- Richard Moore, ST- Tanner Williams, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used: Tanner Dittrich, Nick Moss, Cody Zinz, Luke Graham, Chase Vickers, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford, Chris Toth
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles were misfortunate to leave their opener with just a tie. But, the side attempted to be positive; as it goes in soccer if you take care of business at home and tie on the road, your usually going to be in good shape.
Conneaut looked more confident on their home field with their passing and overall effort from the onset. It took Tyler Bone 11 minutes to open his, as well as Conneaut's, goal scoring account on the 2012 season.
Brandon Jackson laid the ball off for Tyler Bone, about 20 yards out, and Bone caught the goalkeeper going the wrong way and lofted a ball into the far corner.
The relief was apparent for the Conneaut side, yet despite out shooting Titusville 24 to 4, and pelting the Titusville net with misfire after misfire, the Eagles really didn't threaten for the next 30 minutes with anything substantial.
As time progressed in the game and the score stayed at 1-0, that little seed of 2011 doubt starting creeping in, as Conneaut began to wonder if Titusville might luck themselves into a goal and a tie.
And as it goes, you think it and it almost happens, as things got shaky for Conneaut's senior goalkeeper Nick Stockton around the 60th minute; Stockton came out for a ball and couldn't get to it, a Titusville player pounced on it and hit a rocket to net, but senior Josh Betts backed up his goalkeeper and made a goal line save to make it 1-0.
A huge goal line save that appeared to kick Conneaut's offense back into gear.
Junior Tyler Bone, a player expected to step up and lead in the midfield, took over the game minutes later and pushed farther up into the striker line at times. Bone started beating 3 or 4 Titusville players and working one-two combinations with midfield partner Brandon Jackson.
The improved performance in midfield started to pay dividends as Jackson set Bone up with a beautiful pass, from 20 yards out again, and Bone fired this one into the net, at the 70th minute mark, to make it 2-0.
Three minutes later Jackson set Bone up with a carbon copy play, using the mantra if it's working- keep working it, and Bone scored again to secure a hat trick.
With 3 assists for Brandon Jackson and 3 goals by Tyler Bone, it appeared that Conneaut finally found their midfield duo.
Starting lineup: ST- Richard Moore, ST- Tanner Williams, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Brandon Jackson, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used: Tanner Dittrich, Nick Moss, Cody Zinz, Luke Graham, Chase Vickers, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford, Chris Toth
9/1/2012: Conneaut 0 - Girard 0
9/1/2012: Conneaut 0 - Girard 0
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles kicked off the first game, at Girard, in the new digs -of the blue and white of the CASH Eagles.
The Eagles were looking to get off to a fast start, to hopefully put behind them a woeful 2-16 2011 campaign, that sputtered before it could begin thanks to ten injuries (two or three starters for the entire year) and a few ineligibles.
Unluckily the Eagles allowed Girard to stay in the game, despite out possessing the Yellowjackets by around 65% to 35 and compiling 15 shots to Girard's 7 as the game progressed.
Conneaut had 5 or 6 good opportunities but first game jitters led to last pass issues and misfiring on a couple of sitters.
Tyler Bone had the best opportunity with 12 minutes remaining in the contest; as Bone perched himself right outside of the box, let Girard clear it right to his feet, and then took his time trying to set up a worm burner, far post that skidded just right of the bar.
Senior defender Tommy Mullen saved the Eagles a couple of times with big time, danger zone clear outs. Sophomore Brandon Moss also had a breakout game dominating on the right wing for the entirety of the Conneaut opener.
The coaching staff was impressed with the defense from Josh Betts, Cole Snodgrass, Tommy Mullen, and Tanner Houck to record the shutout, but wondered where and if the goals would come for Conneaut in 2012.
Starting lineup: ST- Richard Moore, ST- Brandon Jackson, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Tanner Williams, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used: Tanner Dittrich, Nick Moss, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford, Chris Toth
By Ryan Kozlowski, Assistant Coach
The Conneaut Eagles kicked off the first game, at Girard, in the new digs -of the blue and white of the CASH Eagles.
The Eagles were looking to get off to a fast start, to hopefully put behind them a woeful 2-16 2011 campaign, that sputtered before it could begin thanks to ten injuries (two or three starters for the entire year) and a few ineligibles.
Unluckily the Eagles allowed Girard to stay in the game, despite out possessing the Yellowjackets by around 65% to 35 and compiling 15 shots to Girard's 7 as the game progressed.
Conneaut had 5 or 6 good opportunities but first game jitters led to last pass issues and misfiring on a couple of sitters.
Tyler Bone had the best opportunity with 12 minutes remaining in the contest; as Bone perched himself right outside of the box, let Girard clear it right to his feet, and then took his time trying to set up a worm burner, far post that skidded just right of the bar.
Senior defender Tommy Mullen saved the Eagles a couple of times with big time, danger zone clear outs. Sophomore Brandon Moss also had a breakout game dominating on the right wing for the entirety of the Conneaut opener.
The coaching staff was impressed with the defense from Josh Betts, Cole Snodgrass, Tommy Mullen, and Tanner Houck to record the shutout, but wondered where and if the goals would come for Conneaut in 2012.
Starting lineup: ST- Richard Moore, ST- Brandon Jackson, LW- Ethan Mona, CM- Tyler Bone, CM- Tanner Williams, RW- Brandon Moss, RB- Josh Betts, CB- Tanner Houck, CB- Tommy Mullen, LB- Cole Snodgrass, GK- Nick Stockton
Substitutes used: Tanner Dittrich, Nick Moss, Mark McLean, Brandon Haylett, Kyle Ledford, Chris Toth
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