BY DEREK TREPANIER
For The Republic
Columbus North controlled the tempo and the ball for most of the night Thursday against Conference Indiana foe Bloomington North.
That control wasn’t enough in the end, and the Cougars etched out a 1-0 victory, handing the Bull Dogs a season-opening loss.
With eight shots on goal for the night, Columbus North carried the tempo and momentum of the game but was unable to capitalize on offensive opportunities.
“The opportunities were there,” Columbus North coach Andy Glover said. “The guys were working hard to create moments. But to (the Cougars’) credit, they did a good job managing the competition with their substitutions.”
Bloomington North’s lone goal came in the 54th minute with a shot just over the head of Bull Dog goalkeeper Noah Kestler.
Columbus North senior Jannis Anderson came close to scoring on two occasions, with one shot flying just left of the goal. The second shot was a laser right into the palms of the Cougars keeper.
The Bull Dogs continued to stay aggressive, pushing the ball. But late into the second half. Bloomington North dropped defenders, making it difficult for Columbus North to find any room to score.
With Thursday night’s game being the Bull Dogs’ season-opener, Glover was adamant about focusing on the positives moving forward.
“In the first half, we managed tempo, we managed the opportunities,” Glover said. “And we knew going into the season that fitness was going to be a concern for us, and that’s OK onward and upward.
“Another thing that I think the team will take away is that nothing’s going to be given to them. They are going to have to earn everything, and we reflected on that after the game.”
