Fairbanks’ Dylan Tobe (11) tries to avoid contact with a West Liberty-Salem opponent while going for the ball on Tuesday. The Panthers defeated the Tigers, 2-1. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Both teams scored goals in the second half on Tuesday as Fairbanks’ boys soccer squad edged West Liberty-Salem, 2-1, in Ohio Heritage Conference action.
The victory lifted the Panthers to 3-6-2 overall for the season and 3-0-1 in the conference.
The game was a physical battle with the teams trading field position and ball possessions.
Both squads had scoring opportunities during the opening half.
None of the shots attempted during the first 40 minutes found the marks.
As a result, the combatants went into the halftime break deadlocked at 0-0.
The visiting Tigers took a 1-0 lead after a throw-in near the goal once play resumed.
The Panthers tied the game at 1-1 midway through the second half.
Jeremy Ziegler blasted the ball toward the back of the net past the Tigers’ keeper.
Fairbanks’ game-winning goal came with approximately 12 minutes left to play.
Cade Feller headed home a well-played ball by Pierce Powell for the score.
Fairbanks keeper Greg Dean finished the night with five saves.
The Panthers will host Greenon on Saturday.
Lady Monarchs fall
Marysville’s girls slipped to 5-2-3 on the season with a 7-0 loss at Dublin Coffman.
No other details were available.