Andover and Maize fans who were patient enough to wait through the soccer game and two overtimes Thursday left without the resolution they wanted.
The high school teams ended the game tied 0-0, which wasn’t satisfying for spectators, coaches or players. Perhaps the only conclusion to draw from the contest was that the teams were evenly matched.
“It’s so frustrating,” said Maize coach Jay Holmes, “especially when they create such good opportunities to score.”
Host Maize had two good looks in the second overtime, but both shots sailed past the goal. Andover’s best chance occurred with nearly five minutes left in regulation. Maize’s senior goalkeeper, Jeff Light, intercepted Andover freshman Zachary Shaw’s attempt.
However, Light couldn’t hold onto the ball and in his effort to reclaim possession, he left the goal wide open. Maize defenders managed to prevent the Trojans from capitalizing.
Thursday’s competition was a physical game that pitted the Kansas soccer coaches’ No. 4-ranked teams in the Southwest Region (Maize in Class 6A, Andover in 5A) against each other.
Maize entered the showdown 4-3 on the season while Andover was 5-2 overall. The visiting Trojans were coming off Tuesday’s overtime win against rival Andover Central.
“They have a very good defensive team and they like to counter-attack,” said Holmes, “and they did a pretty good job of that.”
Holmes added that both squads wanted the victory Thursday and both played solid defense, limiting each other’s chances for a goal. Holmes, a veteran coach for the Maize girls’ soccer team, is completing his first year as the boys’ coach.
He said the Eagles have dealt with some injuries, but they have improved offensively and defensively.
“We just don’t see the results in terms of goals,” he remarked.
Thursday was the first time in three years that Maize did not win its battle with Andover. When the teams faced off last season, Maize prevailed 1-0.
The high school teams ended the game tied 0-0, which wasn’t satisfying for spectators, coaches or players. Perhaps the only conclusion to draw from the contest was that the teams were evenly matched.
“It’s so frustrating,” said Maize coach Jay Holmes, “especially when they create such good opportunities to score.”
Host Maize had two good looks in the second overtime, but both shots sailed past the goal. Andover’s best chance occurred with nearly five minutes left in regulation. Maize’s senior goalkeeper, Jeff Light, intercepted Andover freshman Zachary Shaw’s attempt.
However, Light couldn’t hold onto the ball and in his effort to reclaim possession, he left the goal wide open. Maize defenders managed to prevent the Trojans from capitalizing.
Thursday’s competition was a physical game that pitted the Kansas soccer coaches’ No. 4-ranked teams in the Southwest Region (Maize in Class 6A, Andover in 5A) against each other.
Maize entered the showdown 4-3 on the season while Andover was 5-2 overall. The visiting Trojans were coming off Tuesday’s overtime win against rival Andover Central.
“They have a very good defensive team and they like to counter-attack,” said Holmes, “and they did a pretty good job of that.”
Holmes added that both squads wanted the victory Thursday and both played solid defense, limiting each other’s chances for a goal. Holmes, a veteran coach for the Maize girls’ soccer team, is completing his first year as the boys’ coach.
He said the Eagles have dealt with some injuries, but they have improved offensively and defensively.
“We just don’t see the results in terms of goals,” he remarked.
Thursday was the first time in three years that Maize did not win its battle with Andover. When the teams faced off last season, Maize prevailed 1-0.
