Kingdom East 7th and 8th grade boys hosted North Country Junior High School in a soccer match at Lyndon Town School on Tuesday, October 19th.

North Country struck first when they snuck a goal past KESD goalkeeper Charlie Heinrich-Clark. KESD pressed hard and had several opportunities.

Tyler Schade's (LTS) speed was on display as he had several strong runs to the goal and beat defenders for a 1 v. 1 against the North Country keeper. Neither of his chances found the back of the net as one was saved by the keeper and one sailed just wide.

John Underwood (Burke) also had a strong game. He was relentless on defense and also found space to go to the goal when he won possession. His best attempt struck the crossbar and bounced directly down in front of the goal but North Country was able to clear.

Axel Benoit (Burke) also had success moving the ball up the field but KESD was unable to capitalize on his crosses. Zane Faherty (Riverside) was spectacular in the back. His efforts repeatedly stymied the NCJHS attack.

Ollie May (Burke) was also solid in the center back role. The first half ended 2-0 in favor of NCJHS.

The second half continued to see even more opportunities. KESD attackers twice more struck the frame on their shots. There were more solid runs and crosses.

Axel Benoit found Alex Lynaugh (LTS) in front of the goal but a defender was able to disrupt Alex's shot attempt.

Colin Ulrich (LTS) also had a good game in the midfield, winning the ball and threading a nice pass to John Underwood on the attack.

Eventually KESD's efforts paid off. Axel Benoit received a pass from Tyler Schade (LTS) and ran at goal. Benoit had a couple of nice touches to advance the ball and then he launched a shot into the back of the net. Bringing the score to KESD 1, NCJHS 2.

The Kingdom East team did not let up.



Several times NCJHS made runs but were turned away by May and Faherty. The defensive effort on this day was excellent but Heinrich-Clark was still needed to make some sensational saves. KESD would win the ball and mount several attacks but ultimately they were unable to score a goal to even the score. Final score NCJHS 2 - KESD 1.