MEN’S SOCCER

The Forester men’s soccer team (8-4-1) gave their homecoming crowd what it was looking for by running away with a 4-0 decision over Bethel Saturday afternoon at King Stadium. The win is HU’s third straight in league play as they bump into second in the standings with a 3-1 CL record.

It’s Huntington fifth clean sheet of the year. For the Pilots, they drop to 2-2 in conference action, 8-4-1 overall. Four goals is the most Bethel has given up this year.

HU has an arsenal of offensive weapons and today’s match was a testament to that. Noah Stanford became the 11th Forester to log a goal this season when he found back netting with a nifty bicycle kick at the 21:31 mark for an early 1-0 lead.

Less than ten minutes later, Ty Sproat, who had just entered the match, was in the right place at the right time to knock in a spill by the BC keeper to push his goal total to a team-best six on the year while doubling his team’s lead.

Huntington’s advantage would stand through halftime and then through a 30-minute lightning delay. When play finally resumed, there was just under 25 minutes remaining and Coach Lawson’s crew took full advantage. Stanford was back at it, this time weaving through the box until he found Matheus Louzada for the easy tap-in in the 79th minute.

Less than 90 seconds later, a Bethel own goal further distanced HU from their visitors to make for the final 4-0 score.

Gabe Greenfield stood tall in frame for his fifth clean sheet of the year, collecting four saves along the way. Shots taken were nearly even with HU holding the slight 15-14 advantage. Corner kicks favored the hosts 5-2.

“This was a fantastic result for homecoming, especially against quality competition like Bethel,” said Lawson. “And to keep pace with the league leaders is encouraging. I thought today was some of our finest soccer of the year.”

While there was plenty to speak at, it was HU’s defense that Lawson praised. “Our bright spot again today was our backline in Rippe, Brown, Lins Souza and Hurtis. There was a lot going on around them with dangerous players up top but we did a great job sticking together and covering each other but also being stuck in.

“This was a great clean sheet for the boys and it started with that back four and moved up the park.”

The Foresters hit the road on Wednesday for a 7:00 p.m. match at Saint Francis.