Harrison Central drops three straight in early-season soccer

Harrison Central boys soccer team faced the Steubenville Central Crusaders Aug. 15, in Steubenville.

Unfamiliar with the grass field, as the Huskies play on an artificial turf surface, and battling the heat made the game a challenge, requiring the teams to take water breaks midway through each half.

HC was down one at the half after Brendan Kuebler scored for the Crusaders. The Crusaders began the second half with a goal by Santiago Descalzo, increasing their lead to 2-0.

The Huskies then began to force the action on offense by pushing the ball into Crusader territory. Harrison Central attempted eight shots at the Crusader net but only one shot, off the foot of Tristan Cole, would put the Husky score on the board. The Huskies were unable to get a second shot into the net before time expired and fell to the Crusaders 2-1.

Noah Thaxton was awarded an assist on Cole’s goal and Brady McAfee recorded three saves. Cooper Thompson was named player of the game.

On the bus again Tuesday, the Huskies battled the Beavers of Beaver Local. The Huskies were slow coming out of the gate, allowing three first-half goals to the home standing Beavers. At the half, the Beavers led 3-0. Harrison awoke in the second half, playing the talented Beaver Local to a draw. The game ended with the same 3-0 score as the halftime margin. McAfee collected nine saves.

Player of the game was Ethan Hercules.

Wagner Field was the setting for confronting yet another formidable foe on Thursday evening when the Huskies entertained the Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights.

The Knights entered the game at Wagner Field with an unblemished 2-0 record. Unfortunately for the Huskies, they were unable to halt the Knights’ momentum. The Knights scored two goals in the first half and tallied an additional goal in the second half. Wheeling Central exited the stadium with a perfect 3-0 record following the victory over the Huskies. McAfee turned in his second consecutive nine-save evening.

The Huskies were scheduled to travel to Minerva Tuesday, Aug. 26, to face the Minerva Lions.