By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
A 3-2 loss to Eudora on Tuesday kept the Hayden boys soccer team out of the win column, but was a sign of improvement and effort for the team to build on.
Trailing 3-1 at the intermission, the Wildcats shut down the visiting Cardinals’ offense and scored a goal with 5:50 remaining to raise the temperature of the final minutes.
“The effort was good. We just didn’t make very good decisions at times,” Hayden coach Klaus Kreutzer said. “I told the guys their effort was good, but we have to play with that effort and intensity when we’re close, not to get close. We have to have that intensity the whole game.”
Junior Uriel Cruz led the fight for the Wildcats, scoring in each half. His goals were assisted by senior Evan George and junior Lane Neuman.
The loss came on the heels of a hard-fought tie at Ottawa.
“We got into the tie column last night, but we’re struggling a little bit,” Kreutzer said. “We played to double-overtime last night, so we struggled a little bit being in shape today.''
The Wildcats fell to 0-3-1. They will take another shot at their first victory Thursday at home versus Piper.
“I think we’re getting better, but we have to keep at it,'' Kreutzer said. "Our team defense is getting better, but our individual defending is lacking.”
EUDORA 3, HAYDEN 2
Eudora (3-1-0) 3 0 — 3
Hayden (0-3-1) 1 1 — 2
Eudora — Goals: Ditty, Whalen, Ridinger. Assists: Hayes.
Hayden — Goals: Cruz 2. Assists: George, Neuman.