Mt. Zion boys soccer makes school history

Greg Frazier dribbles the ball before shooting past a defender in Mt. Zion’s 4-0 home win against Taylorville.

By Blake Faith
Staff Writer

The Mt. Zion boys soccer team won two conference matches both 4-0 against Taylorville and Effingham. The Braves made school history as they outshot the Hearts 62-0 and 32 of those shots were on goal.

“Unfortunately, we only got four goals out of it,” Head coach Scott Crawford said. “So we need to work on finishing obviously.”

Against Effingham, the Braves offense made Hearts’ goalkeeper name here work. The Braves fired roughly 10 shots before opening the score. In the 19th minute, Thomas Kanemaru fired a cross that Kam Clark headed into the back of the net to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.

Later in the second half Clark played playmaker, threading the needle with a pass to Ramon Munoz. Munoz fired the shot inside the six-yard line and scored to extend the Braves lead 2-0.

The Braves outshot the Hearts 31-0 in the first half. Hearts’ goalkeeper

In the minute, Clark made another play as this time he passed the ball to Zach Harvey who shot the ball into the back of the net to extend the lead 3-0.

The Braves continued their attack. Shooting shot after shot the Braves had their opportunities. Then in the minute Alec Borders fired a shot outside roughly 25-yards from the goal that went into the back of the net to make the score 4-0.

“I think we need to continue to get better when we step on the field,” Coach Crawford said. “It’s nice to get a win. I love getting wins. But stepping on the field we got to make sure that we continue to get better.”

Clark also played playmaker against the Taylorville Tornadoes as well. The Braves attack opened up opportunities for them. In the minute, Clark found an open Zach Harvey who fired the ball into the back of the net to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.

Clark made another assist minutes later. Clark found an open Greg Frazier right outside the goalie box. Frazier fired the shot past the keeper to give the Braves a 2-0 lead.

Clark then found a way to get himself a goal. The Braves found him open for a breakaway that he calmly netted into the back of the net to give the Braves a 3-0 lead. Clark finished the week with two goals and four assists.

Munoz scored the final goal for the Braves to give them a 4-0 win.

“They worked hard and they moved the ball well,” Coach Crawford Said. “Defensively, we were solid.

The Braves then lost their last game of the week 4-0 on the road against Champaign Centennial.

Braves improve to 3-5-1. The Braves will play host to Mattoon on Saturday. Kickoff will be at 10 a.m.