(LEFT) Noblesville’s Samuel Kattman (left) defends Center Grove’s Owen Kalmas. (RIGHT) Noblesville’s Timmy Clark (left) plays defense on Center Grove’s Tanner Miller during the Millers’ game with the Trojans on Thursday. (Quinn Matthews)
By QUINN MATTHEWS
quinn@readthereporter.com
NOBLESVILLE – The Noblesville boys soccer team hosted its pink-out breast cancer awareness game against Center Grove Thursday at Hallmark Orthodontics Soccer Complex. The game finished in a 1-1 tie.
The first half kicked off with intensity as Noblesville quickly put pressure on Center Grove and took several shots on goal. Noblesville controlled possession and pressured Center Grove’s defense, which remained well-organized and leaned into use of the offside trap to relieve pressure on their goalkeeper.
Center Grove took every opportunity they found to attempt to put points on the board. Baylor Winkelmann took several strong shots on goal with his teammates by his side, crashing the box. When their attempts were deflected, they dropped the ball back to their goalie so they could reset, switch fields, and try again. However, the Millers never let Center Grove consistently keep possession. They often dominated Center Grove at the midfield and took the ball for their own chance to score.
The game was extremely physical with both teams exchanging fouls, but Vince Cash was too fast for Center Grove. Cash then often got trapped in the corner by Owen Sowers where he either was pushed out of bounds or dropped it to Carsten Shidler who took countless shots on goal that all just barely clipped the post, missing a chance to take the lead.
With 15 minutes remaining in the first half, James Ignaut was fouled by Noblesville, earning Center Grove a free kick just outside the box. Noblesville formed a wall in hopes to protect the goal, but it was unsuccessful. Ignaut buried the shot into the back of the net, giving Center Grove a 1–0 advantage.
The lead only fueled Noblesville’s drive to respond. They maintained possession for a majority of the end of the half, constantly putting pressure on Center Grove’s defense. After a long first half of shots on goal, the ball bounced off a Center Grove defender and Matthew Prange had an intense breakaway starting at the top of the box and found a clear shot that landed right in the corner of the net. With just two minutes left, Noblesville leveled out the score, ending the first half in a 1-1 tie.
“It feels like we’re still trying to find our stride before the past season, we’re inconsistent at the moment,” said Noblesville head coach Thomas Doering. “We’re creating lots of chances [to score], and defensively we’ve been solid.”
Tied 1–1 at halftime, both teams came out in the second half with increased intensity and physicality. Owen Kalmas launched several impressive shots on goal for Center Grove, each narrowly missing the target. Noblesville swarmed Center Grove’s goal with multiple players, creating constant pressure. Brady Frayer launched several close-range shots, but each attempt was narrowly saved by goalkeeper Carter Dorrell.
Noblesville remained highly disciplined with their positioning, carefully avoiding offsides after recognizing Center Grove’s use of the offside trap. After Center Grove adjusted its approach by crowding Noblesville to limit rushing the goal, they still struggled to contain breakaways from Carsten Shidler. Carter Dorrell made a series of crucial saves to keep the score tied.
With 10 minutes left in the game, both teams were playing extremely fast-paced in a desperate effort to break the tie. Several impressive shots on goal came from both sides, but despite the late pressure, the match ended in a 1–1 draw.
“I thought it was a great game between two really good teams who played their hearts out. All the boys that played tonight played really well,” said Center Grove head coach James McLaughlin.
Noblesville hosts Franklin Central at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at home. Center Grove hosts Bloomington North also at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
