March 28, 2024

A fresh perspective

Creston’s offense explodes for 11 goals in playoff opener against Carroll

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STUART — Rainy conditions and a relocation to West Central Valley’s all-weather turf didn’t dampen Creston’s offensive outburst in the Class 2A substate quarterfinal match against Carroll Tuesday night.

The Panthers found the net 11 times in the shutout, advancing to Thursday’s semifinal showdown with No. 11-ranked Glenwood (10-5) in Adel.

“We are capable of playing this kind of soccer, but I think it has been in our heads,” Creston head coach Jesus Rodriguez said. “We have great scoring threats with every guy we have out here ... but the thing is, we were not consistent throughout the season.”

The challenge for Creston coming into Tuesday night’s contest was to forget its regular season record of 8-7 and focus on a clean slate for the postseason. Rodriguez said he noticed a major shift in practice this week with the offense finding ways to score.

“We usually play offense verse defense and they were scoring five, six goals at practice,” Rodriguez said.

That momentum translated to multiple and successful opportunities against Carroll via through balls and early crosses back to the middle of the pitch.

“We were creating a lot of chances and finishing them which is great,” Rodriguez said. “We always create chances, but we haven’t always been able to finish them. Today, we were able to score a couple early and the other team shut down a little bit.”

Seniors McClain Haines and Connor Pals ended the night with a hat trick, netting three goals apiece. Evan Jacobson knocked in two more goals for the Panthers.

Seniors Tayler Pettit, Tyler Helm and sophomore Ben Irr added one goal each against the Tigers (1-12).

Keeper Alex Nielsen had a quiet night in the net with two saves, one of which was a diving save at the 41 minute mark to eliminate Carroll’s only major offensive threat.

Shiltz injured

While the resurgence of offensive production was a major bright spot for the Panthers at the start of the postseason, the Panthers’ defense suffered a major blow when Chase Shiltz left the game with a right ankle injury.

During a scramble for a free ball, Shiltz was involved in a three-way collision, resulting in stoppage of play as Shiltz was assisted off the field.

“We have our usual rotations in case that happens,” Rodriguez said. “I didn’t even have to say anything to the guys, they knew who had to go in. It was very unfortunate and I hope it is nothing serious with Chase ... He is a very, very strong player for us. Although our guys have different qualities, he is definitely someone we don’t want out.”

X-rays were reported as negative on Shiltz’s ankle, but it is sprained. His status for Thursday’s match against Glenwood was unknown at press time.

The Rams earned a first-round bye in the postseason tournament. Rodriguez said in their last matchup, Glenwood focused on controlling the Pathers’ offensive production by shutting down Pals and Haines.

“We know we have to control their center-mids” Rodriguez said. “Last game, they were able to switch the field too easily on us. I think if we can control that, it is going to be a great game.”

Creston 11, Carroll 0

Creston (11) — McClain Haines goal (Gavin Wood assist), 17:00; Haines goal (Ben Irr assist), 31:10; Connor Pals goal (Haines assist), 31:45; Irr goal, 33:30; Pals goal (Haines assist), 44:31; Haines (Luke Stilwell assist), 54:00; Pals goal (Alex Nielson assist) 56:15; Tayler Pettit goal (penalty kick), 65:10; Evan Jacobson (Haines assist), 71:15; Tyler Helm goal (Alex Tamerius assist), 81:00; Jacobson goal (Kelby Luther assist), 82:00. Shots (on goal) — 29 (16 on goal). Individual shots (on goal)— Haines 8 (5), Pals 9 (5), Irr 5 (4), Helm 2 (1), Gavin 2, Luther 1. Keeper saves — Nielson 2. Cards — None.

ADM (0) — Shots (on goal) — 3 (2). Cards — Red on Cody Wardell, 65:10.