Alice Lloyd Soccer Battles University of Pikeville in First-Ever Home Match

Pippa Passes, KY: On September 16th, history was made on Caney Creek as the Alice Lloyd Eagles hosted their first soccer match in school history. The contest was played on beautiful Mullinax Field, and the University of Pikeville was the opponent. In a contest that was evenly played until the very end of the 90 minutes, UPike held on for the 2-1 victory.

ALC Coach Juan Lander's club put up a great battle. The game was scoreless until the Bears Yuri Rocha netted a goal for the visitors in the 15^th minute. The home squad would then clamp down on defense, and the teams went into intermission nursing the same 1-0 score.

In the second half, the defensive battle continued. Despite several shots on goal from the two combatants, neither could connect. Finally, in the 87^th minute, UPike attempted a shot that was beautifully blocked by ALC goalie Joseph Westphal. Unfortunately, the ball ricocheted towards the net and Pikeville's Nikolay Nikolov booted in the crucial second goal for the guests (2-0). 

Even though they now trailed by two with just 2:30 remaining, ALC responded. The Pippa Passes boys swiftly worked the ball downfield and drew a foul. On the next play, in the 88^th minute, Eagle freshman Isaiah Collins lofted an impressive kick that just got by the outstretched hands of the Pikeville defenders. The score now read 2-1, Bears, with just one-minute remaining.

Incredibly, the hosts would gain control of the ball once more and quickly look to attack, ALC used some deft moves to get in close range, but the attempt by freshman Javier Polly just missed wide. Pikeville then managed to run out the clock on an exciting contest.

On the day, the Bears fired 17 shots on goal compared to the Eagles' 10. Westphal was impressive behind the net as he only allowed 2 scores while registering 15 saves. However, the entire squad gave an incredible effort, much to the appreciation of the home crowd, who warmly cheered their team at the conclusion of the match.

The Eagles (0-2) return to action on Tuesday, September 20th, when they host the University of Campbellsville Harrodsburg at 6:00 pm.