September 30, 2022 Game Summary --

KESD North 7/8 boys hosted Rivendell Coed 8th grade at LTS on Friday night. KESD immediately took control of the game. They managed to retain possession through quick accurate passes that started with strong midfield play from Kingston Newell, Graham Moriarty and Gabe Adams. Several forward passes found their marks but players were unable to finish until Axel Benoit played a ball back to Gabe Adams. Adams placed a shot just over the keeper and under the crossbar to make the game 1-0. The ensuing moments were more of the same. A number of nice balls were played forward but the KESD shots were saved on a strong performance from the Rivendell goalkeeper who had 7 saves early in the match.

Rivendell managed to mount some attacks of their own after the early onslaught. Lucas Sourbeer and Garrett Mitchel played strong defense out wide and managed to turn back Rivendell as they clearly were making an effort to exploit the wide area on their right. Once again, though, as KESD took possession they were able to play into the midfield and find their forwards. It was deja vu all over again as Gabe Adams again took a shot on a ball played back to him. This time a defender would close him down and was able to deflect the shot. The reprieve was short lived though as Garrett Mitchell followed from left wing and punched the ball low just inside the near post. A thing of beauty to be sure.

Again, Rivendell mounted attacks. The center back duo of Lucas Switser and Ollie May did a great job of protecting the KESD keeper, Zak Aubin, from having to work too hard but Aubin was up for the task when some shots did manage to get through and did not allow any Rivendell attempts into the net.

With the time running out in the first half, KESD would again manage to pressure the Rivendell defense. With a strong showing in midfield, Gabe Adams would again find a forward, this time Tatum Steen. Steen fired a low blast from 18 yards out past the keeper to make the score 3-0. That is how the half would finish.

The second half opened with a more conservative attack from KESD. Rather than press the ball upfield they sought to control possession and keep Rivendell off the ball. Kellen Bristol gave a strong effort in the midfield to help KESD hold possession. zane fatherly did a great job of cleaning up anything that managed to find its way into the middle of the field which forced an attacking effort by Rivendell to the wings. Andrew Olone was strong out wide on defense any time Rivendell looked to attack on his side. Olone was fast to the ball and would find himself winning the ball and looking to score a goal of his own. Rivendell defense would swarm him though and his shot was saved.

KESD would find the back of the net once more before the end of the match. Lucas Sourbeer managed a nice cross from deep on the right flank. Otto Benoit challenged the keeper for the ball. With the keeper unable to come up with the ball cleanly, the ball fell to Axel Benoit who calmly poked the ball in to make the score 4-0. And that is how the match would end, KESD 4, Rivendell 0.