Moose give champs all they can handle

PALMER — When the defending state champion Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears came to town Thursday, the Palmer Moose knew they’d have their hands full.

And as it turned out, the Bears had their hands full too.

Juneau needed a late goal to edge the Moose 3-2 in nonconference action at Machetanz Field.

After trailing twice in the match, Juneau scored two goals in the final 30 minutes to secure the win. In the end, Palmer head coach Kevin Dearborn said, despite a stellar effort by his players, fatigue did set in.

“I think ultimately their depth proved to be too much. They’ve got 20 guys and a lot of them can step in and fill the role just as the starters can,” Dearborn said. “My boys’ legs got a little tired, but I’m pleased with the way they played. Juneau’s a tough team. Juneau’s always been a tough team. I thought we came out fighting.”

Junior Zach Zegzdryn took advantage of an early penalty kick call to give the Moose the early lead, and junior Brennan Bohman gave Palmer the 2-1 advantage just before the end of the first half.

Dearborn said Zegzdryn’s ability to bury the penalty kick chance during the ninth minute was key to Palmer’s success against the defending state champions.

“Getting on the scoreboard first definitely helps,” Dearborn said.

After Aaron Badilla tied the game at 1-1 for the Bears during the 29th minute, Bohman put Palmer ahead once again with two minutes remaining in the first half.

During the 38th minute, Zegzdryn put the ball in play with an indirect kick. The ball bounced around in a group of players in front of the Juneau net and Palmer’s J.D. Brooks was able to push the ball back to Bohman, who tucked a shot right underneath the crossbar from about 20 yards out.

“It was a good job by Brennan getting the ball back on goal,” Dearborn said. “It was actually a pretty shot.”

Nathan Fosket crashed the back side of the Palmer net after a Juneau indirect kick during the 50th minute to tie the score at 2-2.

Joe Slagle followed a ball into the Palmer net with eight minutes left in the game to post the game-winning score.

Palmer allowed a pair of unanswered goals during the loss, but Dearborn felt the play was even throughout the match.

“I thought we controlled the ball as much as they did,” Dearborn said. “It was at least 50-50.”

Palmer is now 3-1-1 and is preparing to face Colony, Wasilla, Soldotna and Kenai during the next week.

“I think even though it’s our first loss of the year, I think we know if we stay focused and do what we’re supposed to be doing, we can hang with a lot of teams,” Dearborn said.

The Moose face Colony tonight at 6 p.m. at CHS.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.