LINDEN — North Montgomery’s defense pitched a first-half shutout before allowing a pair of a second half goals in a 2-0 loss to Covington in the boys’ soccer season opener on Monday.
“Our defense played lights out,” third-year Charger coach Tristain Hall said. “Malichi Stevens, Edgar Biddle, and Caleb Hunsberger, and Sam Sheetz they knew what we expected going in and they’ve been able to do it.”
Joel Holycross scored in the 53rd minute for the Trojans (1-0), before Bradley Lewsader added a second goal just moments later.
North Montgomery (0-1) allowed 17 first half shots by Covington, including seven that were on goal, but senior goalie Owen Query, who is new to the position, stepped up big for the Chargers.
“I liked it a lot,” Hall said of Query in the net. “Believe it or not he’s had only about a week of practice at goalie. A lot of that is naturally what he’s been able to do and obviously there’s little things we can fix. But I think he had every bit of 20 saves. It’s a good asset to have.”
The Chargers managed just nine shots in the loss, but had a handful of opportunities to score.
“Today we had nine shots,” Hall added. “The opportunities were there, we just have to be a little bit better about creating them and taking them at the right moments and that will come with more experience.”
North Montgomery was winless in 2020 and scored just one goal all season, but Hall can already tell this team is going to be different and the offense will come around.
“It’s a different team and a different feel,” Hall said. “I preached last year about how much potential they had and they just weren’t reaching it last year. And this year, they’re buying into it and really seeing it and seeing their confidence grow. And I expect by the end of the season, we are going to be a dark-horse team and a team that can compete with everybody.
“A lot of these guys from last year, there was a lack of experience and this year they have more experience and confidence. They’ve been working really really hard over the summer.”
North Montgomery returns to the pitch Thursday at Central Catholic.
