Colony boys win with late rush

ANCHORAGE — The Colony Knights used a late rush to open up a tight match to score twice during the final five minutes of regulation during a 3-0 win over the Wasilla Warriors at The Dome in Anchorage last week.

“It was definitely a closely contested match,” Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston said.

The Valley rivals played through a scoreless first half and Colony held a slim 1-0 lead until the 75th minute. Colony head coach Jeremy Johnson was pleased with the tempo of the game, considering both teams have spent the majority of the season so far practicing on small fields.

“It was a pretty high-pace game,” Johnson said. “The pace of the game was pretty good. The kids have been playing indoors in a gym or on turf. Usually, the first few games it isn’t that high of a pace. The lack of playing on a huge field, you get worn out. But I thought the pace was really good and stayed that way the whole game.”

The teams used the up-tempo pace to combine for 27 shots in the game. The Knights outshot Wasilla 14-13.

Senior John Meaney gave the Knights the first lead of the game when he struck a loose ball into the Wasilla net during the 47th minute. Ben Atkinson crossed the ball for the Knights to set up the play.

“It was a little scramble and (Meaney) knocked it home,” Johnson said.

Atkinson gave the Knights a 2-0 lead during the 75th minute. Colony’s Nate Parker blocked a shot in the penalty box in the Knights’ defensive end and sent a long ball forward. Atkinson was able to take control and blast a rocket into the upper corner of the net. Atkinson was just inside the penalty box on the Wasilla end when he lifted his shot.

During the final minute of regulation, Jake Spannagel sent a through ball forward. Lucas Hickle took control of the ball and scored for the Knights.

Colony goalkeeper Ricky Kubacki stopped 13 Wasilla shots to earn the shutout. Johnson said Kubacki was able to stop a number of key Wasilla scoring chances, including a handful of headers created by corner kicks.

Wasilla had seven corner kicks in the match.

“They had some good chances on their corner kicks, a bunch of headers,” Johnson said.

Livingston agreed about his team’s chances.

“Our team had some quality opportunities, mostly in the first half,” Livingston said. “We had their ball in the offensive third a lot.”

Wasilla sophomore Cash McGregor was among the Warriors who provided pressure on the corner kicks.

“He comes off the black line on corners. He’s such a big guy, an imposing presence,” Livingston said.

Wasilla goalkeeper Corey Hogan made 11 saves in the Warriors net.

“Corey had two or three really nice saves,” Livingston said.

Despite the score, Livingston is pleased with the way his team is progressing, and is looking forward to the continuing improvement.

“I think as a team we’re trying to find our identity. I think that game will definitely help us get closer to that,” Livingston said.

Wasilla continues play against Palmer Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at The Dome in Anchorage. Colony will face Palmer at The Dome on April 25.

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