vikingssportsn Hopewell Boys Soccer took the field for their first action of the season in a scrimmage against West Allegheny.
Despite several players battling injuries the Vikings came together with strong defensive grit to secure a 2-1 win.
West Allegheny came out aggressive in the opening minutes, pressing Hopewell’s defense and testing goalkeeper Nico Crivelli. Anchored by defenders Alex Alvarado, Jake Kovell, and RJ Bushnell the back line held firm.Â
Hopewell struck first 15 minutes into the match when Rocco Marcantonio lined up a free kick from 20 yards out perfectly placing the ball to the corner of the box connecting with senior Tommy Armour, who finished with a header for his first goal of the season.
West Allegheny answered late in the first half after drawing a foul inside the box, converting the penalty kick to level the score 1-1. The momentum nearly shifted further, but key stops again from Alvarado and Crivelli to include Sam Wrzesniewski and Dominic Buchanan preserved the tie heading into halftime.
The second half remained tight until the closing minutes. With just two minutes left, Armour created another scoring opportunity with a corner kick placing the ball to Bryce Ray who headed the ball connecting with Aaden Gonzalez, who found the back of the net for the decisive goal, sealing the Vikings’ 2-1 victory.
JV also competed today, with a single 30 minute half. Very solid performance with a 1-0 loss.Â
Hopewell will return to action on Monday when they host Freedom for their second scrimmage of the preseason.
