Moose play to soccer split with Lathrop

PALMER — Early in the 2014 season, the Palmer Moose have relied on two of their seniors for the bulk of the scoring. James Nisbett and Cody Wells lead the team in scoring with four goals each. But Saturday, Nisbett and Wells — a pair of Palmer High multisport athletes — were in Homer for a track and field meet.

But despite the absence of their scoring leaders and only 11 players in uniformed, the shorthanded Moose rallied to earn a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Lathrop at Palmer High’s Machetanz Field.

“It was very big for us,” Palmer head coach Kevin Dearborn said. “We were coming off some pretty hard losses. It shows some other players, if we’re missing players we can still do well.”

Senior captain Chandler Jones knocked in a rebound with 20 minutes left in the regulation to break a 1-1 tie and give the Moose the go-ahead score. Artur Kavaliov set up the play, putting a shot off the post.

“That was nice to see him score,” Dearborn said of Jones.

Jones started the season at sweeper, but may be moved closer to the midfield.

Elliott Price also scored for the Moose, on a free kick in the first half. That goal tied the game at 1.

“It was a gritty win for us,” Dearborn said.

In girls’ action, Lathrop beat Palmer 4-0.