Nevada ends Creston boys soccer season

ALLEMAN – It was a taste of old for the Creston boys soccer team Wednesday against Class 1A No. 13 Nevada as gusting wind conditions played a big role in the Panthers 4-1, season ending loss in the Class 1A Substate 7 semifinals.

The breezy conditions brought memories back of the grass pitch the Panthers played on at home last season before moving to the turf this spring.

In the first half, Creston was tasked with running into the wind, something head coach Jerry Hartman thought gave them momentum when they went into the halftime locker room, trailing just 2-1.

Hartman thought the defensive efforts in the first half were what gave the Panthers the chance to make noise in the second half.

“I was really, really pleased with the way the first half went. The defense played the best game of the season,“ said head coach Jerry Hartman. “Going into halftime I was incredibly encouraged ... I thought we were going to be able to take it. Just couldn’t capitalize.”

With the wind at their backs in the second half, the Panthers couldn’t find the offense they were looking for to swing things in their favor.

Even though the score went final at 4-1, Creston put a scare into Nevada that was even recognized by the opposing coach.

“After the game their coach came up to me and said ‘man, that’s as worried as I’ve been all season,’” said Hartman. “He was very complimentary toward the boys. To me, that shows the development these guys have had.”

Creston’s goal came in the last minute of the first half as Briley Hayes used his right foot to put one back in the twine.

For the Panthers, who at one point were ranked inside of the IHSSCA top 10 for two weeks in a row, the season closes after an opening round postseason win and the continued player willpower to get better.

After the game, Panther players rallied around to set up and discuss offseason workouts.

Even with the senior leaders departing, Creston players continue to show the willingness to take things into their own hands, something that still impresses their head coach even with the season coming to a close.

“They said ‘hey guys we got to get out and work in the offseason,’“ said Hartman. “That was very encouraging to me and it shows me they are going to take next season very, very seriously.”

The Panthers bow out with an 8-9 record on the year and will lose seniors Payton Pryor, Matthew Borha, Jade Conley, Austin Nguyen, Lee Normandeau and Evan Cockerham to graduation.

Nevada 4, Creston 1

Creston (1) — Briley Hayes (40’). Shots (on goal) — 15 (9 on goal). Individual shots (on goal)— Clayton Stafford 7 (4), Lee Normandeau 2 (2), Ayden Filer 1(1), Briley Hayes 1 (1), Brance Baker 2 (1), Brodie Wallace 1 (0), Britain Miller 1 (0). Keeper saves — Payton Pryor 5.

Nevada (4) — Anthony Ellis (8’, 63’), Jose Buenrrostro (24’), Jorge Patino (76’). Shots (on goal) — 18 (9). Individual shots (on goal) – Taylor Maiefski 2 (2), Anthony Ellis 4 (3), Jack Cahill 1 (0), Jose Buenrrostro 5 (2), Lucas Rogers 2 (0), Devin See 1 (0), Carlos Buenrrostro 2 (1), Jorge Patino 1 (1). Saves — Max Hoffman 7, Gage Maiefski 1.