Malaniak's goal delivers Poland's sixth win, 1-0

By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HOWLAND -- Dain Malaniak's goal with 6:54 remaining in the game proved to be the game winner as Poland High defeated Howland, 1-0, in a Metro Athletic Conference boys soccer game Thursday at Jennings Francis Field.
The Bulldogs (6-1. 4-0 MAC) enter the game ranked fifth in the state in the Division II coaches poll.
"[Dain] Malaniak's goal wasn't a surprise, but it did mark the first time in several games that we actually crashed for the ball in the box. It was good to see us attack the ball," Bulldog coach Chris Labatte said. "Howland got the ball deep continually in the second half, keeping the defensive pressure on us. Because of that we had absolutely no rhythm at all."
After a scoreless first half in which the Tigers out-shot the Bulldogs, 3-2, the Tigers appeared to have taken the lead when Zack Byler scored at the 27:51 mark after the intermission.
Goal is disallowed
The goal, however, was disallowed when officials ruled that the Tigers had a bad throw-in on the initial re-start of the play.
"We played hard tonight and I was really pleased with our effort," said coach George Stevens of Howland (5-3, 2-1). "While I was disappointed that our goal was taken away, it was the right call made by the officials."
The game featured Howland, the MAC champion, against the defending MAC champion Poland. Both teams showed why they are the two premier soccer squads in the league.
"They played very aggressive and took it to us physically. They are a talented team with plenty of speed and that really showed tonight," Stevens said. "They have a talented upper class that features the play of their 10 seniors."
Markusic stars in goal
The Tigers out-shot the Bulldogs 11-6 with tri-captain Caleb Markusic turning back all 11 Howland scoring attempts.
"At the midway point of the season this team is coming along, finding its own identity," Labatte said. "Our goal is to always win the league, but we'd also like a chance to play in the district final as well.
"[Caleb] Markusic has been outstanding in goal for us, not only this year but throughout his entire career. He is barely giving up a half goal a game this year and just .75 [goals against] for his career. We feel he is an excellent college prospect, someone who has the ability to make a contribution at a Division I institution."
Junior Paul Burley had five saves in goal for the Tigers.