Above: VC Keeper Ben Hansen has a busy day in goal

High powered S.I. hands VC first WCAL loss of the season 12/10

After a tough opener against St. Francis on Thursday, the Warriors welcomed nationally ranked St. Ignatius.  Once again, the weather was perfect and the stage was set for another great game between these schools. 

Wildcat's star player, Jeff Cosgriff, got the day started with a goal in the 8th minute.  SI ran a set piece off a corner kick, and executed it perfectly.  The ball went to the back door player who headed back across where Cosgriff was waiting.  True to form, he nodded it home putting his side up 1-0.

The game would go on to see end to end action with chances on both side.  VC keeper Ben Hansen made several key saves to keep the Warriors in the game until the end. 

In the 34th minute, the Warriors came inches from tying the score.  Sophomore John Walitsch took the ball up the right side and swung in a perfect ball.  The onrushing Christian de Leon slid to try to touch it in, but it was just out of his reach.

Chances would come for both sides, with both goalkeepers doing their job.  The game would end 1-0 in favor of SI who moves to 5-0 on the season.

Afterwards, coach Basanese had this to say.

"Give S.I. credit, I thought they played really well.  We're going to have to do better if we want to compete with them.  We showed flashes of the team we are today, but all in all we just didn't get it done."

The Warriors don't have long to rest as they head to Lincoln High School this afternoon to take on perennial CCS contender Santa Cruz in the Homestead Christmas Cup.

Pictures from the game can be found here.  Thanks to Mr. Basanese for taking these great shots!

vcsoccer.com man of the match: Ben Hansen

VC Starting Lineup: Hansen, Zvolanek, Seaman, Mark, Nettemeyer, Field, Keeling, Coggan, Osuna, Goldsmith, Stryker

Weather: Perfectly clear, 63 degrees.

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