Wheeling blanks Jacobs
Struggling through the early portion of the 2014 campaign, Jacobs boys soccer coach AJ Cappello is seeking any type of positives he can hold onto.
The Golden Eagles did some good things Saturday despite a 2-0 loss to Wheeling in a nonconference match in Algonquin. The Golden Eagles dropped to 2-7 for the season while Wheeling improves to 5-4-3.
"They came out a little more aggressive than we did and got a couple of quick goals," said Cappello. "We started the match with some nerves and had a bad turnover which cost us a goal. I think we played well the last 55 minutes and created some chances. I saw a lot of upside today. I like our attitude right now and the kids are working hard."
The visiting Wildcats seized control of the match early with goals from Allen Mancilla with 26:28 remaining in the first half while Jonathan Sanchez put the ball in the net at the 15:25 mark.
"It was really important that we score early in the game," said Wheeling coach Ed Uhrik. "I like the way we started and took care of our chances early in the game. We played a solid overall game and it was our day. We were a little luckier than they were."
Despite a slow start, Jacobs sophomore goalkeeper Ethan Pickering blanked Wheeling during the final 50:35. The sophomore goalie ended with 9 saves for the day.
"Ethan really played well and made some great saves," said Cappello. "He kept us close and in the match. He held his own against a very good Wheeling team. He has a chance to be a very good high school goalie. As a sophomore, he is a vocal leader and he is getting better every match."
Wheeling, which out shot Jacobs 12-5, got 4 saves from Jose Castillo.
The Golden Eagles, who mustered only 1 shot on goal in the first half, created some good chances in the second half.
With only 8:57 elapsed in the second half, junior midfielder Andrew Craig broke through the Wheeling defense and had a breakaway opportunity on goal but the shot sailed over the net.
With 11:32 remaining, junior midfielder Dan Kim blasted a shot on goal from 30 yards out, but Castillo was able to deflect the ball over the net.