The Woodford County High School boys’ soccer team struggled to hold onto a 2-0 lead and settled for a 2-2 draw with the West Jessamine Colts Monday, Aug. 22, at Community Stadium. The game was originally scheduled as the season opener, but thunderstorms postponed the matchup. Penalties became a big factor in the game’s outcome as the Jackets surrendered a pair of penalties inside the box, resulting in penalty kicks for the Colts.
Woodford was aggressive early on and created a handful of shot opportunities before Brian Alvor scored the first goal of the game with an assist by Silas Damm. Moments later, Jonah Hall gave Woodford a 2-0 lead with a terrific goal off Sawyer Gribble’s assist. Woodford continued to get quality looks on goal but was turned away by the West Jessamine defense and keeper.
The game’s momentum shifted after a foul on the Jackets resulted in a penalty kick goal by the Colts with 24 minutes remaining in the first half.
The intensity picked up after West Jessamine’s goal, and frustration grew from the Yellow Jacket sideline after a West Jessamine player wiped out goalkeeper Michael Nickels as he attempted to gather a ball in front of the net.
The Colts tied the game eight minutes into the second half after a second Woodford penalty in the box resulted in a penalty kick.
Alvor seemingly gave Woodford a 3-2 lead after a pretty assist from Gavyn Wilbur, but the Jackets were called offside, keeping the game at 2-2.
Woodford’s final charge came in the last minute of action when Hall’s shot was turned away by the keeper.
“I am always going to be responsible for my team, and I know we can’t put ourselves in bad situations,” said WCHS Coach Fonyam Atanga. “The road doesn’t get any easier. We have district matchups ahead, and we know we have to be better. I was hoping I could rest some guys tonight, but it didn’t happen for us. We have two more games this week and we will have to fight through it.”
The boys’ squad looked strong in a 2-2 draw on the road against former 11th Region foe Frankfort High School Thursday, August 18. Woodford scored on goals from Diego Leon and Hall.
Two nights earlier, the Jackets beat Lexington Christian Academy at Community Stadium, 2-0. Caleb Gomez and Wilbur scored goals, while Damm and Alvor had assists