Grant Bauer beat the Alton Marquette goalkeeper 30 seconds into the match Friday and Collinsville coasted to a 3-0 win.
Mason Kelly (7), David Wilhold (28) and Drake Barker (11) in action against Alton Marquette / Photo by Roger Starkey
Sophomore Brett Niedzwiecki and senior Roman Cahnovsky combined on the Kahoks (4-3) third shutout of the season. Jordan Smith and Brett Langley also scored for CHS.
A penalty kick following a handball in the first half was the only serious scoring threat for Alton Marquette (4-7-1). The penalty kick sailed wide right of the goal and took the Explorers hopes with it.
Bauer’s second goal of the season set the tone for the match.
“They like to send a message to the other team that we’re not afraid to go at you,” Collinsville Head Coach Hensler said.
Smith’s second goal of the season gave the Kahoks a 2-0 lead in the 33rd minute. Langley followed four minutes later with a penalty kick score. All of Langley’s team-high three goals this season have been scored on penalty kicks.
With Collinsville leading comfortably, Hensler substituted liberally to give some of his regulars a rest.
“We were able to utilize all of our players off the bench and gets some guys some rest,” Hensler said. “For the next two weeks it’s going to be tough.”
Collinsville plays in two tournaments in the next two weeks and could play in as many as nine matches.
Even with the starters resting on the bench, the Kahoks controlled possession and had better scoring opportunities. All of the players took advantage of their time on the pitch and played well, Hensler said. David Wilholt and Mason Kelly spent most of the second half making the Explorers uncomfortable.
“(They) did a very good job of creating some chances and maybe should have a goal or two,” Hensler said. “That was a positive thing.”
Collinsville plays Monday-Wednesday next week in the CYC tournament at the St. Louis Soccer Park in Fenton. If they advance out of group play, the Kahoks will play Friday and, if they win Friday, they will play in the championship Saturday.
