Ravens Push West Liberty to the Brink in 3-2 Loss

4.10.2026
Hillcrest 2, West Liberty 3

The young Hillcrest Ravens stayed with a talented West Liberty team scoring twice to tie the game before conceding a penalty kick late in the second half for the final 2-3 score. West Liberty opened the scoring halfway through the first period on a well executed corner kick. The Ravens back line, led by Lincoln Miller, Simon Willems, Rhys Bender, Beckett Miiller along with Isaac Birky and Becket Slaubaugh and mids Abe Widmer, Charlie Hughes and Isaac Beachy stymied the West Liberty offense. Those shots that did get through were saved by Garrett Bontrager keeping the score at 1-0 to end the half. 

The Ravens came out strong to open the second half with a slight breeze at their backs. The Ravens equalized when Isaac Birky, playing at forward, deflected a clearance into the path of Angel Sombrano who sent the ball into the far corner of the net. West Liberty scored a few minutes later on a break away goal to retake the lead. Not to be deterred the Ravens pushed forward creating several chances including one shot which bounced off the crossbar. The Ravens equalized for the second time when Isaac Beachey fielded the goalies punt and sent it back into the box, where Rowan Miller headed the ball towards the back post. Making the far post run, Jaxson Brokaw beat the goalie to the ball to poke it into the net for his first varsity goal. 

Both teams upped the intensity level as the game entered the final ten minutes. West Liberty was awarded a penalty kick which they converted for the final 3-2 score. Hillcrest drops to 0-2 on the season. Next week Hillcrest travels to Cedar Valley Christian Monday and Highland Tuesday in its first conference match.