Marysville’s Grayson Sanford (8) battles Fairbanks’ Josh Underhill (19) during Tuesday’s match. The Monarchs won 2-1. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
A 2-1 verdict over Fairbanks gave Marysville High School’s boys soccer team its first victory of the 2021 season.
The triumph came on a very hot night Tuesday on the Monarchs’ home field.
A slow start, saw the Monarchs miss two breakaway opportunities.
The Monarchs, however, were able to strike twice in last few minutes of the first half.
The first goal came with 5:39 until the break when Danny Dougherty hit a nicely- struck volley off the cross bar before the ball fell to Senior Wyatt Griffith.
Griffith blasted his first goal of the season.
A few minutes later, JJ Riggsby doubled the score from the PK spot.
With 2:30 remaining until the intermission, Riggsby won the penalty after turning his defender and running into the box.
He was then taken to the turf on the play.
The Panthers responded early in the second half with a long range shot that found the top corner of the net.
The goal came from Cade Ziegler.
Marysville had a few more chances, but the result ultimately came down to Senior Goalkeeper Grant Kaifas making a difficult diving save on another long range effort.
The Monarchs will host Olentangy on Thursday.
The Panthers will travel to Springfield Catholic Central on Thursday.
FHS girls edge Bellefontaine
The Lady Panthers traveled to Bellefontaine to take on the Chieftains.
On a very hot night, the Panthers controlled the match and outshot the Chieftains, 15-1.
Only one of those shots hit the back of the net.
It was enough for FHS (2-1-0) to claim a 1-0 verdict.
Ellie Carter assisted Anna Poling for the winning goal with 28:25 left in the first half.
The Chieftain keeper was credited with 14 saves, while FHS keeper Madi Cook had one.
The Panthers will travel to Springfield Catholic Central for their first league match on Thursday.
Lady Monarchs fall
Marysville’s girls dropped a 2-1 decision to Hilliard Davidson.
Cam Lee tallied MHS’ goal less than two minutes into the contest.
She was assisted on the play by Leah Brown.
The Wildcats struck twice during the last 15 minutes of the opening half.
Brielle Young finished with 10 saves in the net for the Lady Monarchs.