Nathan Hutchinson
BEREA — After cross-town rivals Berea Community and Madison Southern played to a 1-1 tie Friday in a early-season district showdown, there were distinctly different reactions for each team’s coach.
And with good reason.
After graduating almost his entire starting lineup from last season, Berea coach Casey Poynter was pleased with his team’s effort.
“The game could have gone either way,” Poynter said. “They possessed the ball more than we did. We counter-attacked at times. They are a good team.”
On the other hand, first-year Southern coach Ron Horn was more than a little disappointed with his team’s performance against the much younger and less experienced Pirates.
“Our team basically came out and lacked focus,” Horn said. “I don’t think we gave the kind of effort we did (in the season opener) against Montgomery County. I don’t know if that can be attributed to being sore, or tired or overlooking Berea a little bit. I don’t know.”
Southern (0-1-1) tied the game with 26:29 left in the second half on a goal by senior Brandon Sipple. David Enge made an aggressive charge into the right corner and found Sipple in front of the net.
The senior’s shot rattled off a defender and past Berea (0-0-1) goalie Ben Miller.
“Scoring has been an issue for us,” Horn said. “So, that’s something we knew we had to work on. But, for us to score more we’ve got to get more chances.”
Both team’s had excellent chances in the closing minutes.
In the final 90 seconds, Berea’s Major McGraw had a chance at a breakaway and Southern’s Lucas Reynolds ripped a shot just over the crossbar.
Miller made several solid saves in the second half in help keep the game tied.
“Ben Miller is an excellent goalkeeper, especially for a sophomore,” Poynter said. “He came up really big. He’s got excellent hands and he’s got good instincts.”
McGraw put the Pirates on top just six minutes into the game when he scored on a breakaway.
“Major McGraw has a great first step and if he can get (a breakout), he is normally a good finisher,” Poynter said.
Berea is set to return to action at 6:30 p.m. today at home against Mercer County. Southern will take on Estill County on Tuesday at home.
