Hopewell Battles Hard but Falls Short Against No. 2 Seed Quaker Valley

369

It was youth night for the Vikings, with young Hopewell soccer players in attendance, the Vikings showed determination but ultimately came up short in a tough 3-2 loss against 2nd seed Quaker Valley.

Quaker Valley wasted no time, striking within the opening minutes for a quick lead. Hopewell tried to answer back in the first ten minutes of the game when Quincy Sannan connected with John Sakson for a shot, but Quaker Valley’s goalie was able to make the save.

QV continued pressing and doubled their lead midway through the half. The game would start to swing in Hopewell’s favor when a huge save from goalie Tallon Coleman rallied his teammates and pushed the momentum to the Vikings side. Coleman was able to make a diving save during the shoot-out denying a third goal and keeping the Vikings in the game.

Hopewell began to find their rhythm late in the half. Tommy Armour nearly scored with a shot toward the upper corner, only for the QV keeper to punch it away.

Unfortunately, shortly after, Coleman would collide with an opposing attacker, forcing him out of the game. Parker Hoth stepped in at goalkeeper and immediately added strong saves for the Vikings. Hopewell’s breakthrough finally came when Armour delivered a throw-in to Bryce Ray, who put it past the goalie for Hopewell’s first goal.

Ray nearly set up another when he found RJ Bushnell, the shot would force a corner kick for Hopewell. Armour took the corner kick and was able to put the ball in play where several Hopewell players tried to tie the game up, however once again Quaker Valley’s goalie was able to hold firm. QV was able to manage one more goal before half time, sending Hopewell into the break trailing by two goals.

The Vikings came out in the second half strong, defensive leaders Alex Alvarado, Dominic Buchanan, Sam Wrzesniewski, Elijah Persi-Jones and Aaden Gonzalez kept QV’s attack in check, while Hoth continued his strong play in net.

Hopewell cut into the lead when Armour took a throw-in and found Ray who was able to get a head on the ball and keep the ball with Hopewell. Quincy Sannan was able to knock down the ball to Gonzalez who fired past the keeper making it a 3-2 game.

Despite controlling much of the second half and creating multiple scoring chances, the Vikings would run out of time. Quaker Valley managed to hold on and secure the narrow victory.

Hopewell will be back tonight hosting Blackhawk at 6:30, Varsity game only.

Photos courtesy of Erwin Photography