Ryle 2 Highlands 1

Highlands goes flat versus a Ryle team that was really hungry

It was a beautiful night down at the Port.  Great night for a triple header soccer game versus two programs that have high expectations for 2024 with the 9th Region potentially wide open (I know Cov Cath might not think its wide open, but that wouldn't be fun).

Right out of the gate you could feel like there was a ton of energy for this game, the play was moving super fast and you felt like Ryle really wanted to come in to this game and make a statement with speed.  13 minutes in Ryle was able to put a nice long pass over to one of the top of the corners of the 18 box where a Highlands defender is called for an infraction going thru the Ryle attacker.  From my vantage point it looks like the Birds got a way with one that should have been in the box for a PK, but the important person to decide that matter (the Center Ref) decided to place the ball just outside the box for a free kick.  Ryle executes it brilliantly placing it for a runner going to far post that was able to slip it in to the back of the net.  I believe the goal was scored by Fernando Solono Garcia to put the Ryle Raider up 1-0.

Some hard fought battles continued with nothing to show for it until we get to the 35th minute of the game when Highlands orchestrates a razzle dazzle corner kick that found the garbage attacker who slipped a ball to Nick Wilson who was just a few yards in front of the goal that was able to blast it into the back of the net to equalize the score Ryle 1 Birds 1....felt like the Birds might have gained some momentum but then Halftime nipped that push in the bud.

2nd half started with Ryle once again looking like the aggressors and it didn't take long before they were able to take the lead... I would say roughly 5 minutes maybe into the 2nd half the right side attacker was able to out run the left back defender to get down close to the corner flag make the quick turn and cross thru the box where Danny Harding was able to punch the ball past a diving Sam Lang to take the lead.  Ryle 2 Birds 1

Highlands had a few opportunities on set pieces with corner kicks and free kicks.  The thing the Birds seem to be lacking is the ability to execute anything offensively in the attacking 3rd to get a quality shot off.

Well the streak continues for the Birds unable to beat Ryle since the 2019 Region Tournament, going 0-4-1 since then....got to find a way to win these games.

Birds have a tough challenge to rebound from this loss hosting Cov Cath on Thursday back at the Port on Thursday evening.  All things could be right in the world if they are able to like their wings and come away with a win on Thursday...feathers crossed.

Ryle travels to a District rival Boone County on Thursday, Boone County hasn't tasted Victory against Ryle since way back in 2014....Is there a Boone County miracle up their sleeve???  Coach Trenkamp has them playing really good soccer this year...

Until next time! 

Now I am off to Tire Discounters to get some new tires before Thursday!

#GOBIRDS

Frank