Mike Vukovcan The Hopewell Vikings boys’ soccer team earned a much-needed victory Saturday edging Keystone Oaks 1-0.
Hopewell’s soccer section is one of the toughest sections in the WPIAL-where games are often decided by just one or two goals—the Vikings have proven they can compete with top programs like Beaver, Quaker Valley, and Central Valley. While goals have been hard to come by, this crucial win could spark a stronger second half of the season.
Hopewell  once again controlled possession and kept the ball deep in Keystone territory. The Vikings started the game with pressuring Keystone Oaks goalie and defense.
Midfielder John Sakson, Quincy Sannan, Tommy Armour, Nykyeron Leonora and Aaden Gonzalez had control of the midfield making good ball movement creating opportunities up front.
One of the best first-half chances came when Tommy Armour slipped a pass to Aaden Gonzalez, who found Quincy Sanaan for a strike. Keystone’s keeper punched it out, setting up a corner from Rocco Marcantonio, but the Vikings couldn’t connect. Despite several quality looks, the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Hopewell kept the same aggressive approach in the second half.  The breakthrough came when Elijah Persi-Jones battled inside the box and drew a penalty. Leonora stepped up and buried the shot past the keeper, finally putting Hopewell on the board with the game’s only goal.
Keystone Oaks nearly responded minutes later when a free kick from 20 yards out tested goalie Tallon Coleman. But Coleman was sharp once again, diving to make the save and preserve the lead.
The Vikings’ defense with Alex Alvarado, Aaden Gonzalez, RJ Bushnell, Jake Kovell, stopped a pressuring Keystone offense the last 10 minutes of the game.
Hopewell returns to action tomorrow when they travel to take on Avonworth.
Also, Â Boys JV came out on top with a 1-0 win as well. Goal came when Caine Sullivan connected with Jaidyn Shoemaker.
Nice job Hopewell!
