FRANKLIN – The varsity Men’s Soccer’s opening game against the Franklin Panthers proved to be a difficult game.
“We knew Franklin would be tough.” says Coach Parton. “When you play a team who is clearly better than you, you have to change tactics. Franklin’s soccer program is strong, experienced, and fit. Playing too aggressively would wear us down too quickly and we need our best players on the pitch for 90 minutes. We chose to play conservatively and defensively allowing Franklin to possess the ball in non-threatening zones and forcing them to take pressured shots outside of the 18 yard box. We could not allow them create space, and we had to wait for the right moment to attack.”
Swain’s defensive strategy proved itself in the first half. Franklin scored only 2 goals. The first goal came from a corner kick and the second from a PK. “We made little errors and Franklin capitalized on them.” said Coach Parton. “I couldn’t be happier with the first half. Swain played smart.”
Two quick goals in the second half left the Maroon Devils discouraged and Franklin capitalized on it. Ending the game with a score of 9-0.
First year goalkeeper, Graham Allen had 22 saves. “Graham is doing exceptionally well for only playing Goal Keeper for a few weeks.” says Coach Parton “He’s learning and will prove to be a great asset for us.”
Swain plays Franklin again at home on August 27 at 6:00pm.