West Branch turns back Canfield in the rain, 4-1

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Canfield's Jordan Ricks (6) and West Branch's Joey Schlueter (23)

By Jon Moffett

The Warriors took twice as many shots on goal as the Cardinals.

BELOIT — The game between Canfield and West Branch High boys soccer teams Thursday night was sloppy. Not because of play, but because mother nature decided to rear her ugly head.

A light drizzle fell for most of the game, washing away the hopes of a win for the Canfield Cardinals. The visiting Cardinals fell to West Branch 4-1.

“West Branch was well-prepared,” said Canfield Phil Simone. “They came out quick and we got caught watching a lot. We went down a goal or two, and they took it to us.”

The Warriors got out to an early lead. Caleb Capron scored on a pass from Aaron Lamancusa, both seniors, and reversed roles later in the half on another score. Canfield freshman Tony El Hayek scored the only goal for the Cardinals (1-1-1). Lamancusa scored again in the second half and assisted teammate James Baird, a junior, on a goal with six seconds left in the game. Lamancusa finished with two goals and two assists.

West Branch had twice as many shots on goal than the Cardinals, 8-4, and Simone said the Warriors were better at putting away their shots.

“They took advantage of their opportunities,” Simone said of West Branch.

Canfield junior Jordan Ricks tried his best to keep his teammates in the game, reminding them of the time remaining and calling out “win it” when a teammate was challenging an opponent for the ball. Ricks was involved in a collision with West Branch’s Zach West midway through the second half. Ricks moved into West’s path for the ball and flipped him over his shoulder. Neither was hurt and play continued.

West Branch coach Matthew Thomas said the two teams are beginning to form a rivalry.

“Canfield comes to town, and we go to Canfield and lately it’s been a real good game [every time],” Thomas said. “I think it’s becoming a nice little rivalry.”

West Branch (3-0) is playing with some added motivation. Each player had an armband with the initials RJ on them for the game. The bands were in honor of a former teammate, Ryan Johnson, who died following an 800-meter race at a track meet this past spring.

Thomas said the idea was suggested by the team.

“That was the players who said ‘We want to do something,’ so I told them to fly with it,” Thomas said.

Johnson was a three-year member of the soccer team and a letter-winner for the Warriors.

jmoffett@vindy.com