Lincoln Academy boys’ soccer team dominated play in their Homecoming match-up with Medomak Valley Saturday night, but were unable to breach the Panthers’ net, settling for a 0-0 tie. The Eagles held a 33-5 advantage in shots, including 13 that went wild of their target. Robbie Griffin made 19 saves in net for the Panthers to earn the shutout.
The Eagles met a brick wall in Isaac Durkee in the Panther back field. The defense of Durkee, Jonathan Hendrickson and Ryan Ripley kept Lincoln’s offensive attack out of sync all night.
Durkee put two long balls on net in the first half that were easily handled by Kyle Scherer in net for the Eagles. Brandon Soper put pressure on Scherer in the second half.
Scherer made a diving grab on a hard collision with Soper and both were slow to their feet. Soper left the game, but was back 15 minutes later on a hard collision with Eagle defender Nic Phinney on a breakaway.
In the first overtime, Bo McLain sent a shot wide, and Jan Taliento’s header was stopped by Griffin. Durkee put a 50-yard free kick on net for the Panthers, that was easily handled by Scherer.
The intensity of the game went into overdrive in the second overtime. Griffin and Panther defenders Durkee, Hendrickson and Kazu Tibbetts played rock solid. Taliento missed wide for the Eagles, and Josh Cross was stopped by Griffin with three minutes to play.
The Panthers nearly scored with 1:20 left to play on a corner kick from Durkee. Durkee’s boot from the left side hit the bar on the far side and was headed by Eagle Brandon Bonney simultaneously. Jacob Bonney stopped a Panther breakaway in the closing seconds of play to end the game in a 0-0 deadlock.
Scherer made five saves for the Eagles.
“This was another strong defensive game for MVHS, who continues to improve every game. Isaac Durkee continues to anchor a defense who have not yielded a goal in the last 200 minutes of playing time,” coach Brian Campbell said.
Belfast tied the game with 10 minutes left in the half on a shot from Yonsef Al-Matroule, with Jeremiah Khan picking up the assist.
McLain headed in the game winner at the 18-minute mark of the second half.
Lincoln held a 13-10 advantage in shots. Scherer made five stops for the Eagles, and Tyler Baker seven for the Lions.
“Jan Taliento played the best game I’ve seen him play. He was physical and fast and got us many scoring opportunities. He added the spark we needed,” coach KJ Anastasio said.
“I am so proud of our performance on the field tonight,” said coach Brian Campbell. “These boys have worked really hard at improving different aspects of their game. They put together an effort on the field tonight that will most definitely help build momentum and carry us throughout the rest of our season.
“We played excellent defense and moved the ball well. Our defense was anchored by Isaac Durkee, who played a flawless game. Jonathan Hendrickson-Belloguet, along with Kazu Tibbetts, helped seal up the middle of the field and stop the attacking forwards. Robby Griffin continues to excel in the net for us, recording his first shutout of the season.”
