Ravens Outlast Hawks in Overtime; Blossom Gets Game Winner

Title Credit: Zach Ulin/KCII 
Photo Credit: Hillcrest Academy Yearbook Staff

Hillcrest Soccer vs Central Lee 4.8.2024
Hillcrest 2, Central Lee 1 OT

Since 2021 the Hillcrest Ravens and Central Lee have a recent history of playing close games, with the last three, now last four, requiring extra time to determine a winner. 

Regulation time ended with the score tied 1-1 with both goals coming in the second half.  Sixteen minutes into the second half Mason Swartzendruber sent a cross to Isaac Beachy who calmly collected the bouncing ball before turning it by the goalie and into the net. It was 9th grader Beachy’s first varsity goal. As the half progressed, tired legs took a toll and Central Lee was able to equalize with 10 minutes left in the half. 

In the overtime period, Hillcrest created good pressure allowing Micah Gerber to send a ball to Jesse Blossom who curled the ball over the hands of the goalie for the game winning golden goal three minutes into the first overtime period. 

Along the way, the defensive back line of Bryce Bailey, Mason Helmuth, Lincoln Miller, Angel Sambrano along with Isaac Birky did a good job of limiting Central Lee’s chances. At midfield, Mason Bender and Seth Ours did a great job of controlling the middle of the field and the tempo of the game.

Kyle Neuschwander made one save in the first half in goal and in the second half helped out on the field. Andrew Kaufman stepped into goal for the second half and the overtime period recording five key saves to preserve the tie and then the win. 

Hillcrest moves to 2-0 on the season. Hillcrest returns to action Tuesday traveling to Sigourney-Keota for a non-conference match.