Rare moment highlights Knights win over West

ANCHORAGE — Jeremy Johnson has seen a lot during his 16 years as head coach of the Colony Knights boys soccer team. But on Tuesday, senior Logan Smith gave the longtime Colony coach something new to add to his bank of soccer memories.

Smith scored on a throw-in from just inside of the halfway line during a 4-0 win over West Anchorage at Anchorage Football Stadium.

“I’ve seen (throw-ins) go in the goal and not count, but I’ve never seen that,” Johnson said.

Technically, a goal can’t come directly off a throw-in. If a throw-in reaches the back of the net untouched, the result is a change of possession. But Smith’s throw bounced off a West Eagle at the goal line and into the net.

“It’s hard to tell who touched it, but it definitely changed direction,” Johnson said.

During his career with the Knights, the four-year varsity player has become known for his uncanny ability to launch a throw-in across the field.

“He whips the ball,” Johnson said. “It’s a great weapon to have.”

Johnson said he’s been fortunate during his run with the Knights, often having a player who can throw in the ball like Smith. Gabe Edwards, who helped lead Colony to the state title in 2000, had similar ability. Another was Tim Egger, another former standout.

“In 16 years, I’ve had 11 years of long throw-ins,” Johnson said.

James Meaney scored twice and captain Oliver Querin added a goal to help the Knights improve to 5-0-1. Jesse Krey posted the shutout, his second straight against a top-four team in Anchorage’s Cook Inlet Conference. The Knights played to a scoreless tie with Service last week.

“Not letting anyone score on us is a positive thing,” Johnson said of the two nonconference matches.

Querin set up Meaney’s first goal during the 23rd minute to give the Knights the 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Querin bounced a Smith throw-in into the net to push Colony’s advantage to 2-0.

Early in the second half, Smith did it by himself, scoring on the throw-in. Meaney scored again during the 72nd minute, knocking in a shot set up by a long pass by Gordon Krueger.

Girls soccer

Knights, Eagles play to tie

ANCHORAGE — One simple fact comforted Colony head coach Lorie Miner following a scoreless tie with the West Anchorage Eagles Thursday night.

“We didn’t do bad at all considering West Anchorage has nine games under their belt and this was only our second game,” Miner said after her squad played 80 minutes of scoreless soccer.

While West is nearly halfway through its season, Colony (0-1-1) hit the field for the first time in three weeks. The Knights opened the season with a 3-1 loss to Wasilla in early April. But since they’ve watched as matches against South Anchorage, Service and Seward were canceled.

“You can only practice so much,” Miner said.

Miner did see many good things during the match, as her Knights tried to shake off the rust from their three-week break. Junior Meghan Riopelle earned the shutout and the offense put together scoring opportunities.

“Meghan did make some very good saves,” Miner said. “Wedefinitely had some scoring opportunities. Several corner kicks, just missed opportunities.”

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