Spencerville’s Jonathan Alteri (14) keeps Allen East’s Manny Rettig from getting to the ball during Wednesday night’s match at Spencerville.
Don Speck | The Lima News
SPENCERVILLE — The Spencerville boys took center stage Wednesday evening to open soccer tournament play.
The Bearcats secured a first half lead to seal their third consecutive trip to a sectional final, defeating Allen East 1-0.
“We knew who they were, and we did not let them off the hook.” Spencerville head coach Josh Van Gorder said. “They are a complete team and we had to cycle through defenders to stay energetic in the absence of Brodie Vasquez.”
A consistent point of the 2023 Spencerville soccer program has been defensive pressure and Wednesday proved to be the same case.
Allen East struggled to find itself on Spencerville’s side of the field during the first half. Bearcat keeper Brennen Lehman only faced two shots through the first 40 minutes.
Tyler Kaverman played like a man on a mission merely haunting the Mustang offensive attack.
“I try to look what’s open and where my teammates are,” Kaverman said. “If I get the ball, I try to keep it in front of me and make a play, it’s really more the team setting me up and putting me in positions to be successful.”
Just before intermission, the Spencerville offense caught a break. Isaiah Stewart collected his sixth goal of the season near the four-minute mark of the first half for the match’s only goal.
“We have been coming together as a team and have been getting good touches off our feet.” Stewart said.
The second half was filled with minimal action, but Allen East was able to build more of an offensive attack but could not strike a shot past Brennen Layman.
Allen East mustered six shots in the second half.
Spencerville was able to finish business and turned its focus to an opportunity at a third consecutive sectional championship at noon Saturday in Continental.
“The seniors deserve and have worked hard for it. Continental is a great program and very well coached, so we know what we have in front of us. We have to play well and play as a brotherhood to get the job done,” Van Gorder said.
Allen East finishes the season at 5-8-3. First year Allen East head coach Russell Bender remained positive and optimistic for the future following the game.
“This was a special group. I’m going to miss them a lot.” Bender said. “We learned a lot of new things this year and I just want to keep improving as a team. Our effort was great, and we competed in each game.”
Nate Stidham wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
