Collinsville, Ill – A 44th minute goal from a freshman carried Collinsville past visiting Christian Brothers College High School Thursday.
Brendan Rosenburg / Photo by Roger Starkey
Jacob Hamann snagged ball in the penalty box that bounced free when several players collided. Hamann put a bouncing shot on goal that went past the out-of-position CBC goalkeeper. A Cadet defender chased the ball down and attempted to clear it just before it bounced over the line, but instead knocked it into the goal for the only goal in the Kahoks 1-0 victory.
Collinsville (2-0) went on the defensive following the goal, which was also the team’s only shot on goal. Head Coach Myles Hensler said the defensive focus was more reaction than strategy.
“I was trying to press them not to go into that defensive mode, but that’s a natural state of mind, especially when you’re playing a great team like CBC,” Hensler said.
Three CBC (3-2) corner kicks in the final minute of the match made for an uneasy ending, but sophomore goalkeeper Brett Niedzwiecki and senior center back Jordan Smith were up to the task. Niedzwiecki, who recorded his second shutout in as many games, punched away one ball and snagged another to end the game. Smith, limping from a calf cramp, cleared the other corner.
Smith started at striker in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Highland and at center back in Thursday’s match. Hensler said Smith stepped up Thursday when asked to play a different postion.
“He had one heck of a game tonight,” Hensler said.
Despite cramping up more than once in the second half, Smith kept the ball clear of the net most of the night. When Smith was not knocking the ball free, Niedzwiecki was gobbling up any ball near him.
“Brett played a great game,” Hensler said. “He was able to come off his line to the ball at key moments in the game.”
The teams played an even first half, but CBC took better advantage of their possessions, getting deep into the Kahoks backfield. The Cadets outshot the Kahoks 6-2 in the opening 40 minutes.
CBC put three shots on goal in the half, but seriously challenged Niedzwiecki only one time. The Cadets Nick Dempster got behind the defense in the 33rd minute and put a low shot on goal. The ball bounced off Niedzwiecki’s chest, but he scrambled to corral the ball before any damage could be done.
Collinsville will attempt to win its third straight match, and make a second attempt to open their Southwestern Conference season, when they host O’Fallon at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.
