Mike Vukovcan Hopewell Township– The Hopewell Vikings hosted Beaver last night in their second section game of the season but came up short with a 3-0 loss.
Despite another strong defensive effort, the Vikings remain in search of their first goal and win in section player.
For the opening whistle, Hopewell’s defense and goalkeeper, Tallon Coleman kept the game within reach against a very talented and very fast Beaver team. Coleman opened up the game with an impressive save within minutes of the match starting. The first offensive run for Hopewell came when Aaden Gonzalez cut off a long pass and quickly found Nykyeron Leonora, who made a short pass to Rocco Marcantonio and then to Tommy Armour. Armour was able to draw a foul, but Beaver’s defense turned away the threat.
Throughout the first half, Armour and Bryce Ray combined for several offensive opportunities, but Beaver’s back line held strong. Beaver’s first goal came when Coleman was able to deny another shot with a full extension save and forcing a corner kick where Beaver was able to connect on a header to go up 1-0.
Offensive runs were pushed by Quincy Sannan and John Sakson, to the front offensive line however Beaver’s defense was solid and broke the passing game for Hopewell.
One of the best defensive players came right before the second half when Beaver was able to break away from the defensive line and basically had a one-on-one with Coleman. Coleman came out to put pressure on Beaver, the opponent was able to take a shot past Coleman, however, Alex Alvarado was there for the huge save forcing another corner kick. Unfortunately, just like their first goal, Beaver capitalized on the corner kick with their second goal, doubling their lead to 2-0 before halftime.
In the second half, Hopewell’s defense anchored by Alvarado, Gonzalez, RJ Bushnell, Jake Kovell, Sam Wrzeniewski and Dominic Buchanan continued to fight hard.
Hopewell goalkeeper Tallon Coleman
Coleman and the back line limited Beaver’s fast attack but a free kick midway through the half deflected off a Viking defender and put Beaver up with a final score of 3-0.
Hopewell’s JV game saw a heartbreaking loss, 2-1. Caine Sullivan was able to connect on a long shot for Hopewell’s only goal.
Hopewell will host Avonworth this Thursday with JV starting at 6 and varsity starting after that. It will be another tough opponent for Hopewell so let’s come out and show some Viking support!!
Vikings Sports Now would like to thank Erwin Photography for the pictures from last night’s Hopewell/Beaver match.
