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Lots of action, but no goals as Holy War is a draw
By DAN HINER
Youngstown
The Cardinal Mooney boys soccer team entered Tuesday’s rivalry game against Ursuline with a 0-1-2 record. But after 80 minutes of play, the Cardinals walked way with a 0-0 draw.
Tuesday night’s tie was the Cardinals’ third of the season, but head coach Thomas Beck said he’s not bothered with the ties. He said they are just a part of the sport and he tells his players not to get discouraged.
“For me as a coach, it’s not a terrible thing. It means we have work to do,” Beck said.
Irish goalkeeper Bo Gray had a game-high seven saves and Mooney goalie Mike Martin recorded three. Mooney finished with six shots on goal, while the Irish attempted three.
Ursuline head coach Roy Schmidt said the physical nature of the game played a part in the lack of offense. He said the officials were aware that it was a Mooney-Ursuline game, and they let the players decide the game.
“The referee actually didn’t let some of it go, but he knew there was going to be some tussling. If he tried to stop it he’d be stopping every single time the ball was in play,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said he was sad to say neither team deserved to win. He said it was a hard-fought game and both teams played to a “solid” draw.
He credited the play of both defenses and said the goalkeepers from both teams stepped up when needed.
“The goalkeepers did a good job, the lines in front of them kept everything in front of them,” Schmidt said. “We both play different formations but it still worked out pretty much the same way. Neither one of us could comfortably unlock the other — therefore no heavy shots on goal.”
Beck said his players might have been slightly overwhelmed by the sellout crowd. He felt as if the pressure got to some of his players. He said the Cardinals played well defensively, but got out of position during different points in the game.
Schmidt and Beck both said both teams performed well, and while there were some situations they would like to have back, the coaches were still impressed with how their players performed against their biggest rivals.
“This is a game where kids leave their hearts on the field,” Schmidt said. “I mean, they literally run themselves out. It’s not just about energy. They actually leave their hearts out there. Basically, it’s a Cardinal-Irish thing. It’s a whole different kind of game when we play.”