March 29, 2024

Stumbling to substate

Rams roll in second half to 7-1 win over Panthers

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The Creston boys soccer team doesn’t have the kind of momentum head coach Jerry Hartman was shooting for heading into Monday’s substate opener.

The Glenwood Rams pulled away from a 1-0 halftime lead to defeat the Panthers 7-1 Thursday night in Creston’s regular season finale and last home game of the 2019 season.

It was the second straight loss by six goals for the Panthers, coming off Monday’s 6-0 defeat at Harlan. And, in the last three matches a Creston team that was ranked in Class 1A much of the season has been outscored 17-2.

Creston begins Substate 7 action Monday at Nevada in a 5 p.m. match against East Sac County, which was 4-8 going into Thursday’s match against Riverside.

Glenwood midfielder Sam Lampman scored on a runout in the 13th minute to account for all of the scoring in the first 40 minutes. With a southwest breeze slightly in their favor, Creston’s early scoring opportunities were turned away by the Ram defense and goalkeeper Minh Dang Ngo.

Creston tied the match 1-1 when Clayton Stafford was fouled in the box four minutes into the second half. Stafford’s penalty kick reached the back of the net on the right side past Dang Ngo.

But, in a span of three minutes the Rams struck twice, including one of two second-half penalty kicks by the Rams. Creston never got its defense solidified and gave up four more goals in the final 11 minutes.

“When we came out in the second half and scored the next goal, we were playing well,” Hartman said. “We started playing our game. We made good connecting passes. We kept our shape. Guys were making passes to feet. We just couldn’t finish. Just like in the first 10 minutes when we played down on their end the whole time, but we just couldn’t get it in. After they got that third goal, we just let down. We lost our focus. We lost our communication in the back line.”

Among the PKs was a red card against Jade Conley, which costs the Panther senior defender a chance to play in Monday’s substate match. The call was for a hand ball in the box.

“Just like we talked about on Monday, we have to top making fundamental mistakes, because we’re capable of playing good soccer,” Hartman said.

Glenwood finished the regular season 7-9 overall and 4-3 in Hawkeye 10 play. The Rams open substate play Monday at Lewis Central against Harlan.

Creston closes the regular season at 7-8 overall and 2-5 in league play.

Glenwood also won the JV match Thursday, 3-0.

UP NEXT — Despite the recent setbacks, Hartman considers Creston the favorite in Monday’s match against East Sac County. The teams have two common opponents — East Sac County lost to Kuemper Catholic 5-0 and West Central Valley/Nodaway Valley 2-0. The Panthers were nipped by Kuemper Catholic 4-3 and topped WCV/NV 3-1.

“Monday is an absolute opportunity for us to regroup and be successful,” Hartman said. “If we play our game we should be able to come out ahead in that game.”

The winner will face either Nevada or Kuemper Catholic at 5 p.m. Wednesday at North Polk.

Glenwood 7, Creston 1

Creston (1) —Goals — Clayton Stafford (46’). Shots (on goal) — 14 (11 on goal). Individual shots (on goal)— Brodie Wallace 3 (3), Brance Baker 3 (2), Lee Normandeau 3 (2), Matt Borha 2 (1), Andy Mills 1 (1), Britain Miller 1 (1), Clayton Stafford 1 (1). Keeper saves — Payton Pryor 6, Derek Paup 0. Cards — Jade Conley (R), Devin Baker (Y), Logan Shady (Y).

Glenwood (7) — Goals – Sam Lampman (13’), John Palmer (59’), Turner Reich (62’), Kyle Jorgensen (69’), Palmer (73’), Jorgensen (76’), Jakob Pachl (79’). Shots (on goal) — 20 (13). Individual shots (on goal) – Turner Reich 4 (1), Kyle Jorgensen 4 (3), Jack Finn 3 (3), John Palmer 3 (2), Sam Lampman 2 (1), Gavin Arbogast 1 (1), Cody Lampman 1 (0). Saves — Minh Dang Ngo 10. Cards — None.