Mooney routs Champion in district semifinal, 6-0

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Champion Mooney soccer

By Jon Moffett

James Simon and Matt McWilson scored two goals apiece for the Cardinals.

STRUTHERS — The Champion high school boys soccer team circled up before its game against Mooney Tuesday and reminded their opponent what playing the Flashes meant.

“Bad news for Mooney,” was their battle cry, but apparently the Cardinals didn’t get the memo.

From the opening whistle, Mooney dominated the clock with ball movement and made it hard for Champion to find a rhythm. The Cardinals went on to win 6-0 and advanced to the Division II district finals.

“We still have more work to do, but I’m happy with this victory,” said Larry Lencyk, Mooney’s coach. “And I am happy with the way they played. They did what they needed to do.”

The Cardinals’ offense was clicking and scored the first goal with 20:43 left in the first half. Captain James Simon scored the unassisted goal for Mooney and added a second score with 18:56 left in the game.

Teammate Matt McWilson also had a pair of goals, both of which came in the second half.

“We played well as a team, and as long as we’re playing well together, hopefully we’ll make it to state,” McWilson said. “The offseason pays off a lot, and we have a great coaching staff. Hopefully working like this can get us there.”

Hector Hernandez and Thomas Beck rounded out the scoring for Mooney. Beck also had an assist, as did Kyle Thomas. Chris Felker had two assists.

The Mooney defense frustrated the Champion offense all game, and only gave up two shots on goal. One shot came on a free kick and sailed over the goal, and the other was saved by goalkeeper Jonathan Critell.

Defender Eric Ehrenberg made multiple slide-tackles as he and the rest of the defense gave the Flashes fits.

“We take pride in our defense,” said Lencyk. “We want to shut teams out, and we did it again tonight. I’ve very happy with our defense, because it all starts with our defense.”

Champion coach Shawnn Wilson said he wasn’t surprised by how well Mooney played.

“We know they’re going to come out and possess the ball, that’s what they’re good at,” he said. “They move the ball well and they’re all over the place.”

With the season-ending loss, Champion finished the year 13-2-1, which Wilson said was successful.

“I’m really impressed with the way my guys played tonight,” Wilson said. “They really came out on fire and they deserve credit for that.”

Mooney will play host to West Branch on Saturday at the Valley Sports complex in Struthers in the district final at 5 p.m.

jmoffett@vindy.com