Wendy Haun
RICHMOND — The Berea Community boys soccer team revisited its “dream world” Thursday.
Berea (9-2-2) coach Casey Poynter said his team, which tied 0-0 with Model Laboratory n Richmond, flashed back to its 3-3 tie with Madison Southern Sept. 4.
“We get in this dream world-kinda-land and we can’t stay focused on anything,” Poynter said. “Today was one of those days. They’re in another world. It’s good that you don’t lose in a situation like that and we didn’t allow a goal. That’s a plus, if you can find one in there.”
In Model’s (4-5-1) last game, a 5-0 loss at Madison Central, junior goalkeeper Blake Neumann allowed three goals in the final three minutes of the game. Coach Steve Savage said he believes his team’s performance was bolstered by the finale of the Central game.
“I think in part because of those last three minutes at Central, the guys came out and played hard,” Savage said.
During the course of the second half, the game got more physical. Model junior halfback Matt Wylie was given a yellow card for language, Model senior striker Sam Faraj was given a yellow card for misconduct and Berea junior forward Max Leetz was given a yellow card for unsporting behavior.
The biggest shocker was when Berea senior defenseman Ryan Smith was given a red card for a serious foul after he elbowed Wylie in the mouth, forcing him to leave the game.
“I think it was a questionable call on the red card,” Poynter said. “He said he went up with an elbow, but really, he just ran through the ball straight. He did hit that guy but if anything, it’s a yellow card.”
Berea had the most opportunities to score. Leetz had a shot on goal that went wide right. Senior midfielder Silas Mont-gomery had a penalty kick that hit the right post and bounced out of play. Sophomore midfielder Kevin Strand had a shot that was saved by Neumann. Montgomery had another shot that went over the net. The final play was a corner kick that was intercepted in midair by Neumann.
“I’m not concerned about us playing a high level of soccer but when we play someone we feel we might have an advantage of, which is completely negative because Model is a respected team, we allow ourselves to play around and not try to finish it,” Poynter said. “If we think we feel comfortable in the game and not feel threatened. I felt like we possessed the game the majority of the game but we couldn’t do anything.”
Berea will face off against Estill County in Irvine at 3 p.m. Saturday. Because of Smith’s red card, he will not suit up for the match-up against the Engineers.
“We’ll have to make some adjustments for that game, since Ryan is going to be sitting out,” Poynter said. “We’ll look forward to that game and next week. We’ve got to take it one game at a time.”
Model will take on Harrison County at 11 a.m. Saturday at home. The match-up against the Thorobreds will be the second of a six-game homestand for the Patriots.
“They’ve been playing pretty well all year,” Savage said. “We’ve got the system down and we’ve been working on some things in practice and it showed tonight, especially in their passing. At times, it was resurfacing. I expect them to continue to get better. It should be a good rest of the season. Basically, we’re going to have a tough time in our conference so we’ve got to get things geared up and get ready for districts.”
