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By Jim Steele
steele@mckenziebanner.com |
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When journeying down the road to new athletic endeavors,
the fruits of success are at best unripened, at worst
withered.
If that's the case, McKenzie's soccer team must be
traveling on fertile ground. The Rebel soccer team
captured a 1-0 victory over visiting Jackson Christian
School, the first triumph in school history.
Sophomore
Caleb Owen knocked in the only McKenzie goal mid way in
the first half and the Rebel defense made it stand up.
MHS coach George Ognibene said the victory can be
attributed to the team's work ethic.
"I thought our kids played well," Ognibene said.
"We've gotten better and we've had opportunities."
The Rebels, 1-4, suffered a 2-0 setback at Trenton, a
game the coach felt McKenzie had a shot at. The Rebs
succumbed the the Tide's speed and two late goals were
the difference. Last Tuesday, the Rebels made JCS pay.
"We had opportunities to shoot and score at Trenton,"
the coach said. "We got it again at JCS and made the
most of it."
The Eagles field a proven side, a team that plays soccer
year round.
"They've been around a while those kids play club
soccer and soccer during the summer," the coach said.
"This was a good win for us; I think it will build our
confidence."
One of the things that was most appealing was the
fact that when the Rebels were introduced to an
opportunity, they cashed in.
"We made opportunities for ourselves in the game,"
Ognibene said. "We are getting better at practice and it
is showing in games."
McKenzie's defense also is making strides.
"I'm happy with the way our defense is playing right
now," said Ognibene. "Andrew Wilson has played well and
Kenny Carey has stepped in for a kid who got hurt and
has stepped up."
Carey has filled in for John Rhodes. Rhodes sustained
a stress injury, but is due back soon, which creates a
good kind of problem for Ognibene.
"We are going to have trouble find places for people
to play when Rhodes gets back," he said. "But depth is
always good."
Jake Brown earned his first shutout in goal and has
performed well there.
"Jake has gotten better," Ognibene said. "We knew he
was an athletic kid and this should boost his
confidence; we think he'll continue to get better."
The coach hopes his team can build on this victory.
"Anytime you get a win, it's good and to beat a
program like JCS, it boosts your confidence," Ognibene
said. "When you get one win, you want more. I hope we
can come off the break and finish off these last five
games strong. I'm tickled for the kids and I hope this
has created some excitement."
