By Cort Reynolds
KENTON - The visiting Ada High School boys soccer team enjoyed a three-goal spurt and staved off a late rally to beat Hardin County rival Kenton 3-2 Saturday evening and spoil Senior Night for the Wildcats.
Ada senior Logan Jolliff scored two big second half goals to help lead the Bulldogs to the hard-fought win.
The Bulldogs tallied all three of their goals in an eight-minute frenzy late in the game to pull off the victory. All five goals in the match were scored after halftime.
Ada improved to 10-4 overall with the non-league victory.
Kenton dropped to 4-6-3 after losing the county rivalry battle.
“Tonight was a special night for Ada soccer,” said Bulldog first-year head coach Aaron Acheson. “Ada was 0-5 against Kenton in the last five meetings.”
After a scoreless first half, Kenton got on the scoreboard first at the 38:54 mark of the second half. Junior Marlon Lopez scored off a Kyle Barrett assist to put the hosts ahead 1-0.
But Ada reeled off the next three goals to seize control. Senior Nathan Williams assisted Joshua Thaxton for the tying goal with 13 minutes left.
“Joshua gave us the equalizer with a great shot that squeezed by a diving keeper,” said Acheson. “Joshua finished off a great cross from Nathan.”
A minute later, Jolliff scored from a Thaxton feed to give Ada the lead, 2-1. Kenton sophomore keeper Hayden Holland could not corral the shot from about 25 yards out on the wet pitch.
“Logan scored from a pass outside the 18 from Joshua,” Acheson noted. “Logan had some time and let it rip. The ball was wet, and the keeper could not handle it.”
Jolliff then gave the Bulldogs an insurance goal with five minutes left to provide a 3-1 lead.
“Logan made a spectacular one-on-one move to create space, and he hit a laser from 20-plus yards that went top of the net. That was a phenomenal finish,” said the coach.
Down by two goals, Kenton didn’t give up. Lopez scored again with 3:38 remaining off a dish from sophomore Chris Villa to slice the Ada lead to 3-2.
But the Bulldogs were able to hold the Wildcats scoreless the rest of the way to preserve the one-goal win.
“The last two minutes we were able to win balls and clear the ball away from our goal,” said Acheson. “We had strong contributions from some freshmen getting their first varsity action.
“Rhett Ulrey and Lucas Henson stepped up in the midfield,” he noted. “They both competed and made some nice plays with the ball at their feet. Rhett was involved in some great moments late in the game when we scored three goals in an eight-minute span. Rhett competed hard and gave us great energy.
“Will Mosler, another freshman getting his first taste of varsity action, helped out on defense and had some time at outside mid.
“We needed someone to cover on defense for our outside back for a few minutes, and Will stepped up big time,” he continued. “Will has great speed and can clear the ball very well. He was willing to play anywhere we needed. I appreciate his attitude and willingness to help the team.”
Illness caused four normal Ada starters to miss part or all of the game.
“Daniel Klear, another freshman, had to cover for Jude Griffin,” said Acheson. “Jude was not able to go much due to illness (but) he was celebrating with his teammates on the bench during the second half comeback. Daniel’s hustle and his ability to clear the ball outside helped us turn away Kenton’s attackers.
“Bradyn Bowen had to come in to help us in the backline midway through the second half,” said Acheson. “He did a wonderful job closing out to the ball and containing Kenton’s attackers in key moments late in the game.
”Ty Mowery took things over defensively in the second half,” the coach went on. “He had a great timed tackle to prevent a third Kenton goal; that was probably the play that preserved the victory.
“Connor McKean, Carson Conley and Tim Chrissobolis all delivered in a big way after having to step into the starting lineup,” he added.
Thaxton scored a goal and passed out one assist. Williams added his 16th assist. Jolliff now has netted 14 goals, while Thaxton has scored four.
Bulldog goalkeeper Jacob Rush was credited with seven saves. Ada put 11 shots on goal, while Kenton had nine. Holland made eight stops in goal for the Wildcats.
The Bulldogs earned four corner kicks.
“We had elite effort from so many guys,” said Acheson. “Nathan Williams is doing everything he can to help us win. He is selfless and playing at a high level. He is winning so many balls and helping us in our attack.
“Andrew Allen controlled the game in midfield,” he continued. “Chase Jarrett, Carson and Tim were very creative and dynamic in the attacking third. They opened things up for the forwards.
“It took a lot of sacrifice and grit to earn the victory,” Acheson summed up. “A job well done by the entire team. I am so proud of these boys. I admire their resilience and ability to bounce back.”
The Bulldogs (1-3 NCOSA) play their league finale at struggling league rival Cory-Rawson (1-13, 0-4 NCOSA) Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. The Hornets are last in the six-team league standings, while Ada is fifth.
Liberty-Benton (4-0) is first, followed by Van Buren (3-1). Riverdale and Upper Sandusky are tied for third at 2-2.
