Ryder Meek
Columbus East and East Central needed more than the 80 minutes to decide a winner.
The Olympians outshot the Trojans and had a stronger performance, but the teams had to settle for the 0-0 boys soccer draw Tuesday night at the BCSC Socer Complex.
“I thought we played really well. We challenged our kids to show more fight, and they came out and did it,” East coach Sam LaVelle said. “We changed some things formation-wise, so there’s always growing pains with that. We should find the back of the net, but overall, we’re pleased with where we’re at right now.”
The Olympians (2-3-1) had a great opportunity in the seventh minute when East Central (4-1-1) committed a foul in the goal box to set up a penalty kick. Emilio Quintero Aguirre took the shot for the Olympians, and it was saved by Trojans goalkeeper Curtis Bender. However, a redo was called after the goalkeeper went forward too early. On the second attempt, Bender made the save once again to keep the game scoreless.
Columbus East finished with eight shots on goal, and East Central had three. Ryder Meek recorded three saves in goal in the shutout for the Olympians.
Columbus East has managed only three goals in six games so far this season, but once the Olympians find their stride and start putting goals in the back of the net, they can finally get the extra push to put more games in the win column.
“We’re going to keep pushing,” LaVelle said. “We’re happy with where we’re at. We want to challenge ourself and play some tougher teams this year, and I feel like we are doing that early on this year.”
