CATS CLIP RAVENS IN DEFENSIVE BATTLE

***Kyle Neuschwander Photo Credit: Hillcrest Academy Yearbook Staff***

Hillcrest Ravens Soccer vs Columbus 4.20.2023
Hillcrest 0, Columbus 1

The Ravens traveled to Columbus on a chilly, blustery night and lost their first match of the season 0-1. Going into the strong wind the first half, the Ravens struggled to connect passes and find their rhythm, but as the game progressed, the guys found ways to create some offensive pressure. Meanwhile, the defensive unit of Grant Bender, Mason Bender, Bryce Bailey, Mason Helmuth, and Isaac Lybeck shut down most of the Columbus chances, while goalie Kyle Neuschwander made two key saves to keep the score 0-0 at half.

In the second half, the Ravens were able to create more offensive pressure, but on the bumpy ground struggled to connect passes and to get off many decent shots. With 15 minutes left in the half, Columbus got the ball into their box where the ball bounced around as Hillcrest defenders tried to clear the ball while Columbus tried to create a shot. A Columbus player emerged from the scrum and was able to knock it into the goal for the score.

The intensity level increased, as Columbus fought to preserve their lead, while the Ravens tried to find the equalizer. A shift in formations created several good chances, but the equalizer couldn’t be found as the clock turned to zeros.

Hillcrest moves to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

Below article & headline submitted by Zach Ulin/KCII
In an all-KCII area matchup on the pitch Thursday, it was the Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union Wildcats that came away with a hard fought 1-0 win over visiting Hillcrest Academy. Defenses dominated action the majority of the night, with the game entering halftime in a scoreless tie. The Wildcats broke through for the only goal of the night in the second stanza when Fernando Erazo beat the Raven defense, and the Wildcats made that lone tally stand up through the rest of the match, as Jacob Haines authored a clean sheet in goal. Hillcrest managed four shots on goal and came up empty on a penalty kick chance.