Colony boys blank South

PALMER — With a move back to the center midfield, Colony’s Noah Krozel’s role has changed this year. Last season, Krozel was a goal-scoring machine at his forward spot. But Wednesday night, Krozel proved his move to the midfield doesn’t mean he won’t provide another scoring punch.

Krozel notched a hat trick to lead Colony to a 4-0 nonconference boys’ soccer win over South Anchorage at Colony High School.

“He’s more of a facilitator,” Colony head coach Jeremy Johnson said.

Johnson said he Krozel may not get some of the chances inside the 18-yard line that he’s seen in the past, but Krozel has teamed with Cade Johnstone to provide the Knights with a luxury.

“(Krozel) and Cade, they’re running the game,” Johnson said. “We have one of, if not the strongest, center midfield in the state with Cade and Noah now.”

Krozel helped Colony improve to 3-0 this season with a goal in the first half and a pair in the second. During the 25th minute, Caleb Covington set up Krozel’s first goal that gave the Knights the 1-0 lead. Krozel knocked a shot into the low corner during the 51st minute to push Colony’s lead to 3-0. He converted a penalty kick late in the game.

Mike Shower also scored for the Knights. Johnstone sent a cross from the right to the left, and Shower weaved through traffic and found the back of the net.

Johnson said the Knights controlled play throughout the game.

The Colony girls played South to a scoreless draw.

“It was a pretty even game. Both goalkeepers had to make some saves,” said Johnson, who is also the head coach of the girls team.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.