The Ontario boys’ soccer team is on a hot streak, claiming three consecutive wins from the recent matches against Sandusky, St. Peter’s, and Loudonville.
The Warriors now hold a 3-4 record.
In their non-league match against the Loudonville Redbirds on Tuesday evening, sophomore Erik Klimczynski scored three goals and fellow teammate Lenell Shelby picked up an additional goal, giving the Warriors a 4-1 victory.
“The defense shut ‘em down,” said head coach Greg Fraley. “The midfield played a lot better and controlled the ball a lot more than previous games.”
Commenting on what has contributed to their success for these past three matches, Fraley said, “We’re playing more as a team rather than as individuals playing together and they’re a lot better with supporting one another out on the field.”
Adding a bittersweet taste to their wins, three of the team’s goalies have been injured. Starting goalie Austin Fraley broke his thumb, hindering him from standing between the goal posts, but not enough to keep him off the pitch completely; he’s been playing the field and has the possibility of returning to his goalie position later in the season.
The injury bug also bit backup goalie, Ali Hussain earlier. He is coming off a sprained ankle, and has just been cleared as of Tuesday to play again. His return is vital, given that sophomore Jake Hairston, who has also helped guard the goal, broke his arm and will not be able to finish the season.
“It’s been a rough season for our goalies,” summarized Fraley.
The Warriors’ winning streak will be put to the test when they face off with Mansfield Christian Flames on September 16 at 7 p.m. in Ontario.