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[Sonny Dearth]

Menchville's second-half goals beat Kecoughtan
By Jennifer L. Williams | jwilliams@dailypress.com

NEWPORT NEWS — Menchville High’s boys soccer team used a pair of second-half goals to get past Kecoughtan 2-1 Friday evening. The host Monarchs remain unbeaten in the Peninsula District after getting past Bethel in overtime Tuesday and winning this key match.

Intensity was flowing both ways and physical play was the norm, which it usually is when these two meet. Kecoughtan players each wore one maroon sock and one orange one as part of the day of remembrance for victims of Monday’s tragic shootings at Virginia Tech.

All the scoring took place in a four-minute span midway through the second half. Menchville’s Jimmi Howard struck first, chipping a shot past Kecoughtan goalkeeper Nick White with approximately 27 minutes left.

Kecoughtan answered two minutes later as senior Ethan Bowen rushed Menchville’s goal and pushed the ball past keeper Ryan Baker to tie at 1. Another two minutes and Menchville put itself back on top on Adam Peltz’s goal off a Howard shot that was saved.

“I made a run from the defense and passed it off to my forward,” Peltz said. “He crossed the ball and the goalie saved it, but dropped it. And I finished it up.”

A tie with Warwick is the only blemish on the district mark for preseason favorite Menchville (4-2-2, 2-0-1 district).

Kecoughtan, also a perennial district power, showed some frustration. Senior midfielder Justin Slezak was assessed two yellow cards and ejected as the Warriors (6-3-1, 2-1) took their first district loss.

“We knew with the way we were playing, we had some momentum, and we knew if we just continued to be patient with what we were doing, that our opportunities would come,” said Menchville coach Dan Liebler, who is in his first season. “And they did come our way, and we did well by taking advantage of the situation that we got in there.

“I’m proud of the team for doing that, because we’ve had some troubles in the past lately trying to score the goals when we had the opportunities. So that was good for us this time around.”

Menchville forward Drew Pearson was hurt eight minutes into the second half. Liebler said Pearson has a bruised right shin, but its severity is undetermined.

“Hats off to Menchville,” said Kecoughtan coach Franklin Hughes. “They played exactly to their game plan and played a physical style, which I appreciate. My guys just didn’t come ready to play.”

MENCHVILLE 2, KECOUGHTAN 1
Halftime—0-0. Goals—Kecoughtan, Bowen; Menchville, Howard, Peltz. Assist—Menchville, Howard. Shots—Kecoughtan 8, Menchville 14. Saves—Kecoughtan, White 6; Menchville, Baker 3. Records—Kecoughtan 6-3-1, 2-1 Peninsula District; Menchville 4-2-2, 2-0-1.

[KHSOldSchool]

Great game by MHS and a good article, but I still want to point out that KHS is 6-3-1 overall. This is only their third loss....just to set the record straight.

[KHSOldSchool]

I can't help but point out too....that MHS played a great game. Timing, skill and effort were executed perfectly to produce a great result for MHS. Awesome game and congrats. Hopefully KHS will recover to make some noise down the road.

[mhswizard]

Really, That game was alot of fun. Glad we won of course, but it didnt come exactly easy. Lot of yellows thrown out there at Kecoughtan, and one red for #10 i believe? Im sore to say the least. Means alot KHSOldschool what you said. We'll meet again sooner or later. GHS beat WHS ? I think when we play again, its going to be one heck of a game again.

[HR soccer observer]

It was an interesting match. It is hard to determine the difference between an ugly game and one where the mids and stoppers are very effective. MHS effectively used off the ball contact to their advantage and took Kecoughtan out of their game. Officiating was inconsistant at best, four bookings to one, with both sides playing essentially the same game. Give kudos to MHS for taking advantage of what the ref allowed and forcing KHS into retaliatory fouls. They played smarter than KHS and deserved the win. Well done!

[KHSOldSchool]

Excellent point. MHS played physical and the refs allowed it....KHS never adjusted to it. Also, KHS plays a more controlled/possession game and got away from it....again b/c MHS provided great pressure.

From a KHS point of view it was an ugly game b/c they never got themselves settled into their game. Part of it was due to MHS's play and the other part was b/c their mind game fell extremely short. MHS showed more mental toughness along with their physical toughness. That to me is what makes a difference in big games.

Good luck the rest of the season.