New look Knights play to draw

ANCHORAGE — After graduating 13 seniors and eight starters last season, Colony head coach Jeremy Johnson knew his 2010-11 squad would face some growing pains.

During the Knights season-opener on Thursday, the longtime Colony head coach saw some growth, but also some pains.

The Knights had a number of opportunities on the offensive end, but had to settle for a 1-1 tie with West Valley at The Dome in Anchorage.

“We’re still getting used to each other,” Johnson said. “This is the first time in three years we’ve really had a whole new team.”

Colony’s John Meaney scored with four minutes left in regulation to tie the game at 1 and force the draw with the Wolfpack.

Hunter Fisher set up the Colony goal. During a scramble in the box, Fisher settled the ball and found Meaney, who found the back of the net.

Johnson said there were plenty of opportunities to take the lead. Two shots hit a post and another was sent wide of an open net.

“You’ve got to be happy with creating the chances, we’ll just have to work on finishing them,” Johnson said.

Colony outshot West Valley 18-6 in the match.

West Valley scored during the first five minutes of play to take the lead. The Wolfpack snuck a direct kick from midfield over the reach of senior and first-year goalkeeper James Meaney.

“That was his first game in goal in five years,” Johnson said of Meaney. “He got caught in no-man’s land and it went right over his hands.”

Meaney made the move from up front back to the goal after spending his first three seasons in the program as a top goal-scorer for Colony. Other than the goal, Johnson said he was happy with what he saw from the senior.

“It’s a whole new position,” Johnson said. “He did great.”

Colony will return to The Dome Monday to face Nikiski at 11:30 a.m. The Colony girls make their 2011 debut against the Bulldogs at 1 p.m.

West Valley meets Wasilla today at 1 p.m. at The Dome.