SHG, entering the postseason with a 13-7-3 record, traveled to take on the host Pleasant Plains Cardinals in the Regional Semifinal tonight. The Cyclones wasted little time getting their offense rolling, setting the tone early and securing a spot in the next round.
Tommy Gardner got SHG on the board early, capitalizing on a rebound to give the Cyclones the opening goal. Later in the first half, Bryer Mikus joined the scoring effort, extending the lead to 2-0 heading into halftime.
While the Cyclones found their rhythm offensively, Charlie Graham was electric in goal, turning away several big chances from the Cardinals to keep Pleasant Plains off the scoreboard. Edson Frey also did his part to keep the Cyclones from adding to their lead, helping hold SHG scoreless in the second half.
Despite the second-half stalemate, SHG’s early scoring proved to be enough as the Cyclones secured the victory and advanced to the Regional Final.
Now, the stage is set for a matchup with Rochester at 5 p.m. back at Pleasant Plains High School. Rochester is coming off a dominant 6-0 win over Springfield Lutheran, while SHG enters the contest looking to keep its postseason run alive.
With no football games for either school, there should be no excuses for the stands to be anything but packed. Two local teams, a regional championship on the line, and a trip to the next round at stake.
Soccer takes center stage Friday at 5 p.m. at Pleasant Plains High School. Be there.
SHG #15 Tommy Gardner finishes off the rebound for the GOAL.
SHG #12 Dempsey Stevens great defense
SHG #1 Charlie Graham with big time save
SHG #10 Beck Reid dime to #13 Brennan Tapscott who just misses
Pleasant Plains GK Edson Frey nice save
Pleasant Plains GK Edson Frey nice stand up save
Plesant Plains #9 Jace Goldstein great clearance
Pleaant Plains #19 John Vincent great defense
