KINGWOOD — After a competitive but scoreless first half, Trinity Christian (4-2) broke through with goals by Kyle Knight and Brayden Clampferr late in the second to pull away from the Preston on Monday evening.
During the opening of the game, both teams jockeying for possession and attempting to get in-behind the defense of the other. A few chances showed themselves worthy of a goal for the sides but a few good clears and very nice saves from each goalkeeper, respectively, kept the game scoreless.
The best chance for the Knights came after a slight hydration break, with temps being in the 90s, on a hard shot from nearly 30 yards out. The ball floated to the goal but Ben Lohmann was there to produce one of his many saves on the night.
The Warriors saw a few chances on-goal in the first half, but none better than a shot by Charles Steptoe that went inches wide of the far post.
Halftime saw each team without a goal and both with some good offensive possession that produced a few decent looks to score.
The Knights went into the break with confidence, knowing they had just played one of their best halves this season, something head coach Joshua Russell told his players at halftime.
“We played two varsity games two weeks ago and looked strong in our first but not so strong in our second,” he said. “We aren’t quite sure how we would come out against a very good Trinity team and the effort put forth tonight was fantastic tonight, especially in the first half. We got a little tired in the second.”
The second half would be a completely different story as the Warriors pounced early to get the opening goal. Knight made a run and got a wonderful pass from Jakub Gallik that he controlled and buried into the back of the net to make the lead 1-0 to the Warriors.
Just five minutes later, TCS would get its second. Clampferr controlled a loose ball and touched it past the outstretched arms of PHS keeper, Devan Shaffer. It rolled into the far corner to double the Warriors’ lead and put the game away as it would finish with the final score of 2-0.
Trinity head coach Dan Lohmann praised his team for a solid all-around effort.
“First of all, hats off to them. They were the dominant team in the opening half. Josh is building a great program,” Lohmann said. “Then we responded and were able to gain control of possession and find some cracks to finally get the opening goal we were looking for.”
Preston will return home Tuesday to host Elkins, while the Warriors will be at home on Wednesday as they welcome Lewis County.
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