What could be labeled a ‘lucky shot? gave the Linden Eagles a 1-0 win over the Oxford kickers in the Wildcats home opener on Sept. 22.
‘Oxford was focused and ready to play the fourth ranked team in Division II,? said Coach John Thaler. ‘Great teamwork and consistent play kept Oxford playing at their highest level.?
Throughout the first half, Oxford limited the Eagles to just a few shots on goal, thanks to some slight formation changes in the back. The Wildcats made some great runs against Linden’s defense, only to be stopped short by the powerful team.
‘The start of the second half saw Oxford pickup their intensity and create more chances on goal,? said Thaler.
However, Oxford’s hard work was put on the back burner when Linden scored the only goal of the game. With 10 minutes left in the second half, Linden fed a ball to the outside and crossed it to the middle where a scramble ensued. An Eagle managed to take a shot on goal, which was saved, but the rebound hit a second Linden player and went in for the goal.
Coach Thaler stated that Oxford tried to get back into the game with a few ‘last ditch efforts,? but Linden claimed the number one spot in the league at the half.
‘It was a tough loss,? concluded Thaler, ‘but the boys played as though they deserved to be in the top 10 in Division II.?
The Wildcats didn’t let their disappointment drag them down though. The team came back on Sept. 25 to win against Goodrich 7-0.
Oxford hit the field with loads of intensity and started off the scoring for the night with a one-time effort from Brandon McKay. Three more goals – from David Kourtjian, Zac Wasylyna and Paul Ebenhoeh – finished off the half. The three goal were scored in the second half by Kourtjian, Wasylyna and Josh Reaume. Overall, Oxford’s defense was unbeatable, allowing only one shot on goal the whole night.
On Sept. 27, the Wildcat kickers returned to league action to win their second match against Holly 2-0.
‘Oxford knew the game was going to be a battle and prepared mentally to play well,? explained Coach Thaler.
The first goal of the night was earned off a great chip from Josh DuVal to McKay, who flicked a header into the net. The team took several shots throughout the rest of the half, but could not score.
In the second half, the Wildcats stepped up the pressure on the defense and were rewarded with a great far post shot by junior Reaume on a one time pass from Francesco Paese. Goalie Shane Rondy was the outstanding player for the night making five key saves and earning his fourth shutout of the season.
Oxford Varsity Soccer hits the home field again on Sept. 29 for their second match against Fenton. The Wildcats defeated the Tigers 4-3 earlier in the season.
The team continues their second round of league action against Lapeer East on Oct. 4 and Brandon on Oct. 6. The kickers now stand 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the league.