Friday, September 19, 2014
By Greg gulas
BOARDMAN
If the Boardman Spartans hoped to extend their shutout streak to three games, then junior Kevin Durkin — making his first varsity start in goal — would have to make the difference against arch-rival Austintown Fitch.
It was also helpful that classmate Andrew Gable was able to end his scoring drought.
Gable scored his fourth goal of the season with just under two minutes remaining while Durkin rejected all six Falcons shots on goal as the Spartans defeated Fitch, 1-0 in All-American Conference Red action Thursday at Boardman High School.
The win enabled the Spartans (7-4, 2-3) to avenge a 3-1 loss suffered at the hands of Falcons (3-4-1, 2-2-1) Aug. 26.
“The ball crossed out wide to Shane Learman, he then cut it back, made a good cross and I just happened to be on the receiving end,” Gable said. “We played a slow game tonight but it just came down to guts. We wanted this game and Kevin really stepped up as well. Everyone is just so proud of his effort.”
Durkin, who rejected three shots each half and withstood a flurry of 23 overall, said he was nervous at the outset but settled in after he made his first save.
“That lasted about 10 minutes or so. Getting that first save is when I felt like I really belonged,” Durkin said. “In the back of my mind I thought about the streak and keeping it alive. All I wanted to do, however, was just keep them from scoring. The defense in front of me did a terrific job all night and they’re a big reason our shutout streak continues.”
After a scoreless first half and with the game still tied at the 66-minute mark, Boardman’s Rob Lewis almost got the Spartans on the board first, but his kick sailed above the outstretched hands of Falcons goalie Miguel Gonzalez, hit the crossbar and bounded away.
Like Durkin, Gonzalez — a sophomore — was making his first start in goal.
“When the buzzer sounded I was happy, but more so relieved. This was an important game for us because it’s both a rivalry game and league contest as well,” Spartans coach Eric Simione added. “We played a little sloppy at times and while our defense has played great of late by registering three consecutive shutouts, we still need our offense to kick it up and that is something we need to work on.”
Simione said Durkin and Gable both had excellent games.
“We’re fortunate to have a backup goalie like Kevin. He works hard, has been patient and came up big tonight. He definitely took advantage of his opportunity,” Simione said. “As for Andrew, he’s been playing a long time and really knows the game. He’s been one of our go-to guys all season and sure picked a great time to end his scoring drought.”
Fitch coach Ken Kilpatrick noted that Gonzalez did a good job in his first start in goal. His team had some opportunities, but just couldn’t take advantage.
“Miguel played well, punted when he had to and rolled the ball with open players. He did a nice job in his first start,” Kilpatrick said. “It’s tough when you win the first time because the advantage goes to your opponent the next time around. They made some changes from that first game and we made the necessary adjustments at halftime. It was a great game between two very competitive rivals.”