Mount Vernon News

MOUNT VERNON — All it takes is one bad bounce for a team to take control of a game. The Mount Vernon High School boys soccer team learned this the hard way in a 2-1 loss to Olentangy on Tuesday evening.

The Yellow Jackets grabbed an early lead as Evan Green took a cross and found the back of the net. They maintained the pressure on offense, and held onto the lead through halftime.

“We were doing well in the first half,” said Mount Vernon head coach Scott Dapprich. “We had our share of chances, and Evan was able to convert on the cross. We missed a few other chances.”

Things were a bit different in the second half, however, as Olentangy controlled the ball more. The Braves tied the game on a goal from Eric Newman with just less than 22 minutes in the second half.

Olentangy kept the pressure up after the goal, and sent a cross into the box after a corner kick. The ball bounced and hit the hand of a Mount Vernon defender. The Braves were awarded a penalty kick, and converted it to take the 2-1 lead.

Mount Vernon tried to fight back, but the Braves’ defenders repeatedly cleared the ball back into Yellow Jacket territory. The best chance for the Jackets to tie the game once again came with three minutes remaining. The Jackets crossed the ball in and headed it over the goalie, but it bounced just over the crossbar, leaving the Yellow Jackets still down by one.

“We just got away from our style of play,” said Dapprich. “In the first half, we did a good job of keeping the ball on the ground, and playing a more controlled style. In the second half, we tried to play more 50-50 ball, and they took advantage. We just need to do a better job of returning to the way that we know how to play.”

One of the strengths of Olentangy was its relentless attack. The Braves forced over 15 shots, and kept the Yellow Jackets on their toes all evening.

“Olentangy did a really great job of looking up field as soon as they got possession of the ball. They really attacked the middle of the field, and that’s where things happened,” noted Dapprich. “Our guys had to sprint sometimes 30 yards to be able to make plays, and that wears on them after a while.

“It’s not the end of the world for us, though. We know what we need to fix. We gave up a goal we probably shouldn’t have, and we just need to remember to control the things that we can.”

The Yellow Jackets will have the chance to return to the win column Thursday as they host Newark. Junior varsity action is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.