vikingssportsn HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP– Hopewell’s defense was tested almost immediately as North Catholic came out applying pressure from the opening minute.
The Vikings starting defensive group of Sam Wrzesniewski, Dominic Buchanan, Elijah Persi-Jones and Elijah Rodriguez were called into action early, with all four making plays to disrupt North Catholic’s attack. Wrzesniewski stepped in to break up an early run, Buchanan made a strong read coming up from the back, Persi-Jones, added another stop, and Rodriguez came up with a big defensive play to take away a potential scoring opportunity.
When North Catholic was able to get through the back line, Tallon Coleman was there in goal and came out of the box for a diving save on one opportunity and followed shortly after with another stop to keep the game scoreless.
Buchanan and Persi-Jones continued the defensive pressure, combing on another breakup when Buchanan got a foot on the ball and Persi-Jones collected it and carried it forward to help transition Hopewell into the attack. North Catholic later earned a deep free kick, but Coleman was there again for the save.
Persi-Jones stepped in again to disrupt a North Catholic attack and help hold the Vikings back line. Coleman followed with another save behind him.
Rodriguez added another block, while Buchanan came up with one of the stronger defensive plays of the half, using a sliding tackle to take away a North Catholic shot. Jayden Shoemaker also stepped up to disrupt an attack before Buchanan followed with two back-to-back defensive stops.
Hopewell was able to create opportunities going the other direction but just couldn’t connect.
Quincy Sannan applied pressure before a loose ball was picked up by Wrzesniewski, who sent it downfield to Nykyeron Leonora. Pressure from the North Catholic goalkeeper forced the ball out and allowed Hopewell to retain possession. The Vikings continued the attack, with Sannan eventually putting a shot on goal that was saved.
Another opportunity started with a strong stop at midfield from Will Arzberger, who moved the ball to Leonora, who drew a foul to give Hopewell a free kick. Aaden Gonzalez stepped up to take it, creating a close opportunity but no goal. Rodriguez continued his strong defensive effort when he sprinted back to catch a North Catholic attacker on a 1-on-1 run, cutting him off before the opportunity could develop.
Hopewell and North Catholic entered halftime tied 0-0.
The defensive battled continued into the second half. Parker Hoth stepped up from the defensive line to cut off another North Catholic attack, helping Hopewell turn the defensive stop into movement the other way. Tyler Armour would later make a strong sliding defensive play, getting his foot on the ball and knocking it out to stop a North Catholic attack.
After being held scoreless through the entire first half and much of the second, North Catholic finally broke through on a corner kick. The ball was sent into the middle and finished for the goal, giving North Catholic a 1-0 lead.
Coleman continued to keep Hopewell within striking distance. Shortly after the goal, he came up with a huge save on a point-blank opportunity that appeared headed for the net. Coleman then added another save as North Catholic continued hits pressure and later make a diving stop directly in front of an attacker, getting to the ball before the opportunity could be finished.
Hopewell continued looking for an equalizer. Sannan connected with Justin Dennis, who played the ball back to Sannan for an offensive attempt. Gonzalez later worked the ball toward RJ Arthur as the Vikings continued trying to generate a late scoring opportunity.
North Catholic would find an open attacker and finished into the side of the net for its second goal, giving the Trojan a 2-0 advantage.
Hopewell would not be able to get on the scoreboard and would end the game with a 2-0 loss. North Catholic held the game most of the time offensively and were able to be patient and capitalize when they needed to.
Next up for Hopewell is a match this Saturday at home when they’ll take on Ellwood City.
