Shawnee’s first half garners win over Kalida

SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP - History has shown that when Shawnee and Kalida face off in boys soccer, it's going to be a battle.

Monday's showdown at Shawnee was one of those type of matches, as Shawnee's two goals in the first half proved to be enough as they downed Kalida, 2-0.

The game featured two coaches whose careers date back to the beginning of the rivalry.

Shawnee coach Dick Hagen is in his 23rd season as the head coach at Shawnee, while his counterpart, Mark Czubik, is in his 19th season at Kalida.

Hagen said the games with Kalida have always been tough matches, usually going down to the wire.

"I've known (coach) Mark (Czubik) since he was a referee here, locally," Hagen said. "Then about 1990, he told me that he was going to start a team at Kalida.

"Ever since then, these games have been really tough. I believe this is only about the fourth time we have won. Also, there has been something like 10 games in this series that have ended 1-0. So, for us to score two goals on them. ... I was pleased."

Shawnee (2-0-1) was on the attack early, forcing Kalida (2-1) to defend their goal for the majority of the first half. Shawnee recorded its first score at the 14 minute, 59-second mark when senior midfielder Chris Hefner received a corner kick from teammate sophomore Ryan Magee and headed it past Kalida goalie Michael Bockrath.

Magee added the second score at the 6:38 mark of the first half, off a crossing pass from midfielder Jason Violet.

Czubik said his squad was simply outplayed in the first half.

"I thought in the first half, they outhustled and outworked us," Czubik said. "But, give them credit. They are well coached and they're a very good team.

"But, we had some opportunities. I told them before the game that we might not get many opportunities, but if we do, we needed to capitalize on them."

Hagen said he attempted to substitute his players as much as possible in the second half.

"This is our third game in six days," Hagen said. "I wanted to substitute a lot in the second half. But, the biggest thing is getting out with any injuries."