As a junior, Kirtland’s Joey Zovko scored just two goals and assisted on another.
On Saturday, Zovko broke out with three goals and an assist in leading the Hornets to a 7-2 season-opening win at Columbia.
“It feels great to be able to travel to an away game and still be able to make such a big contribution to the team and make a difference,” Zovko said. “I can’t give enough credit to my midfield and defense and everyone else around me being able to give me great services through the other team’s defense. Everyone did their job very effectively.”
Zovko’s first goal, off an assist from Ethan Garcia, tied the score at 1-1. His next two helped the Hornets build a 4-1 advantage.
“He not only had three goals but he created two penalties and probably could have scored more,” said Kirtland coach John Valentic. “He seems really hungry this year. He had some great preseason games and is unbelievably fit as he’s running for the cross country team too. He is filled with confidence and obviously desire. He’s going to be a very important piece going forward.”
Danny Vernorsky finished off a rebounded shot from Josip Mijic-Barisic to give the Hornets a 2-1 lead. Garcia’s first goal of the season made it 5-1 and Jeremy Lunka scored the next two goals to give the Hornets a 7-1 advantage.
Vernorsky also recorded an assist in the win.
The Hornets did allow two goals but Valentic is confident his defense will continue to improve this season.
“We’ve got to clean up our defensive set pieces,” he said. “We gave up a free kick and they got a cross and a goal. That’s one of our weaknesses but we’re working on it. Once we settled down we had too much firepower for them.”
Kyle Work and Kyle Lutz used their experience to keep the Hornets’ offense in sync.
“They did a real nice job in the run-up plays,” Valentic said. “We’re going to need their leadership moving forward.”
Tyler Banyasz recorded three saves in goal.
“He’s a sophomore and was Danny Jahnke’s understudy last year,” Valentic said. “He’s pretty good. I feel real confident with him in the goal. I’ve been lucky to have two really good goalies in a row.”
Kirtland travels to Berkshire on Tuesday.
