Knights stay undefeated with victory over West

PALMER — Jeremy Johnson was the first to admit it.

His team’s 5-0 victory over West Anchorage didn’t necessarily feel like a five-goal victory. But that doesn’t mean the longtime Colony head coach won’t take it.

Seniors Jake Spannagel and Nick Blohm each scored twice to lead the Knights to a 5-0 nonconference win over West Friday night at Colony High.

“It’s not like we dominated,” Johnson said. “The midfield play was pretty even.”

But there was one distinct difference in the game, which featured a 12-9 margin in shots.

“We just finished shots,” Johnson said.

Spannagel gave the Knights the early lead with goals during the 3rd and 13th minutes. Ben Atkinson set up the first goal, and Harrison Menard recorded an assist as Colony pushed its lead to a pair.

Menard quickly gave his team the 3-0 lead, ripping a shot from the top right corner of the penalty box, during the 17th minute.

Blohm scored a pair of breakaway goals in the second half, finding the back of the net during the 54th and 65th minutes.

Blohm intercepted a West pass to set up his first breakaway attempt. Blohm’s second goal came after the senior caught up to a ball sent through by Spannagel.

“It was really a pretty even game as far as overall play,” Johnson said. “We kind of finished chances a little better.”

West’s one advantage was one corner kicks, having six chances to Colony’s one. But the Eagles were never able to capitalize.

Sean Hayley earned the shutout in the Knights net.

The Knights improved to 3-0 with the win. Colony hosts South Anchorage Tuesday at CHS.

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