​Late goals-against cost Huron United points in double game week

After a lightning storm prematurely halted the match against Riverside FC B, Aug. 12, the Huron United Football Club faced a double game week with only three matches to go in the Tri-City Men's Soccer League season.

The first fixture, Aug. 19, brought Stratford CT FC to Listowel after a full day of rain, which combined with a steady wind to present challenging conditions for the two clubs.

Huron United co-captain Gerrit Satosek showed his mettle early, blocking a Stratford free kick and charging the rest of the field in pursuit of the loose ball. Huron United kept Stratford under constant pressure in possession in the first half, yielding further chances in close for Satosek and attacking midfielder James Jeffreys.

Co-captain Jacob Hunsburger broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, stepping up to corral a partial clearance after a Huron United corner. Hunsburger's hard struck effort glanced off a Stratford defender and evaded the keeper's grasp, giving Huron United a 1-0 lead.

Stratford’s pass-based attack presented a formidable challenge for Huron United's backline under the wet conditions, but defenders Shadi Dahrouj, Anderson Wolfe, Charlie Hall-Elwood, and Ryan Carty rose to the challenge with well-timed tackles and confident clearances.

In the 39th minute, winger Andrew Wiegersma seized upon a skipping back pass that was mishandled by the Stratford fullback, and charged in on the Stratford net. Wiegersma settled the ball and smashed it past the keeper to double Huron United's lead.

The first rain-based break of the second half went Stratford's way, with an errant Huron United back-pass not quite reaching its intended target. Stratford capitalized on the opportunity to cut its deficit to 2-1.

Huron United responded with waves of chances. First off, Hunsburger nearly repeated his earlier feat, smashing a volley off a corner that the Stratford keeper had to dive to pull off the line. Satosek then beat his man out wide off a precise ball from Adam Carty, forcing a Stratford fullback into a desperation block. A. Carty was then successful in beating the keeper off a cutback cross from winger Drew Cobean, but his low-slotted strike rattled off the upright.

Stratford responded with a flurry of scoring opportunities of its own, calling Huron United keeper Josh Coleman into action repeatedly. The visitors levelled the score off a scramble in the box following a free kick scenario.

Huron United was unable to overcome the rising tide of Stratford's momentum, bleeding further chances in the closing phase. The heart-breaker came in the 87th minute, when Stratford's striker chanced upon a bouncing ball and volleyed into the bottom corner past Coleman's outstretched arm, sealing the 3-2 comeback victory.

Wolfe was voted Man of the Match for his workhorse performance on the back end, while Hunsburger and Satosek earned honourable mentions.

After only one day off, Huron United returned to Spirited Field in Listowel, Aug. 21, for the make-up game against Riverside FC B. The condensed game week necessitated call-up appearances for centre-back Dave McNeish and utility-man Zack Stoneman, who stepped up to provide squad depth for Huron United.

Once again, the first half featured long sequences of control from Huron United. The team’s effective passing and frenetic press yielded multiple chances in the opening sequence, and its efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when attacking midfielder Ryan Schriek intercepted an attempted clearance by a Riverside defender. Schriek settled the ball and thrashed a shot from distance, which deflected off a Riverside player and found the back of the net. 

In the 38th minute, Satosek and Schriek raced down the field in tandem after a loose ball. The joint press forced a turnover by the Riverside centre-back and the ball fell to Schriek’s foot. The Riverside keeper got a piece of Schriek’s ensuing shot, but there was enough forward momentum for the ball to sneak over the goal line for Schriek’s second of the game.

Unfortunately, the second half evoked memories of Tuesday's defeat as Riverside marshalled men forward in an attempt to level the scoreline. Huron United keeper Coleman fended off a number of dangerous chances, but the visitors cut the score to 2-1 in the 78th minute with a deflected goal following a set piece.

Riverside continued to drive the ball toward the Huron United net in pursuit of an equalizer, and it came in the 85th minute when a Riverside striker buried a shot past Coleman into the bottom corner after a pass skipped past the Huron United backline. The final whistle came as a disappointment for Huron United, but the 2-2 score still earned the team a valuable point against a strong opponent.

Dahrouj earned Man of the Match honours for his countless clearances and physical sacrifices to preserve the tie. Honourable mentions went to Schriek for his brace, Hall-Elwood for his tireless efforts on defence, and Simon Andonian for an imposing 90 minutes at centre-back.

Huron United, based out of the Saugeen Shores United Football Club, closes its TMSL season against Stratford CT FC, Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Spinrite Field, Listowel. The squad features players from Kincardine, Port Elgin, and surrounding areas.  For team updates, visit kdslsoccer.com.