March 29, 2024

Meaningful conference win

Jacobson buries OT winner, Panthers win first conference game in three years, now 5-2

ATLANTIC – An Evan Jacobson free kick late in the first overtime period found the back of the net as the Creston boys soccer team picked up its first conference win since 2015 with a 1-0 decision over Atlantic Monday.

“We had a lot of opportunities. Luckily just got one by,” said head coach Darrell Frain. “Got it through the wall and got past them. He (Jacobson) just had enough on it to get it.”

The last time Creston had won a conference game, the three Panther seniors were freshmen, adding even more emphasis to the team’s victory.

“They’re pretty excited about it,” said Frain. “All three seniors were excited and it’s a good accomplishment for them, especially under the circumstances. I’m really proud of them.”

The Panthers managed to send the game to overtime after fighting off a first half onslaught when time and time again Payton Pryor kept the Trojans off the scoresheet.

Pryor recorded seven saves over the course of the contest and continues to be an unforgettable reason as to why the Panthers have only allowed three goals in seven games of action.

Frain wasn’t sure what the reasoning was, but that it was apparent Creston got outhustled in the first half.

Creston’s defensive line helped direct the action into the other end in the second half, but the offense couldn’t break the plane.

“We were pretty much in control all second half. We just couldn’t score,” said Frain. “We kept pressure on in overtime and got one through.”

UP NEXT – Creston (5-2) travels to Lewis Central (4-0) today (Tuesday) to take on a team that Frain thinks is one of the tops in the conference.

“Defensively, we just got to keep playing as hard as we have and hopefully we will get some opportunities to sneak one in,” said Frain.

Creston (1) – Evan Jacobson 88th minute. Shots (on goal) – Clayton Stafford 8 (4), Jacobson 7 (4), Brance Baker 4 (1), Cole Higgins 1 (1), Kelby Luther 3 (0), Lee Normandeau 1 (0). Keeper saves – Payton Pryor 7.