KIRTLAND—It took almost 60 minutes for Kirtland’s Ante Bevanda to break the scoreless tie between the Hornets and visiting Wickliffe at Recreation Park on Tuesday.
Three more goals were scored in the final 20 minutes as Kirtland held off the Blue Devils, 3-1.
“It’s never easy against Wickliffe,” said Kirtland coach John Valentic. “They’re well coached and stick to their strengths–good defending–and they look to counter.”
Bevanda’s unassisted goal, his first of the season, came shortly after the rain started.
The slick field sped up the game, which led to more scoring opportunities.
Joey Zovko and Jeremy Lunka also scored for the Hornets. Zovko now leads the team with five goals this season while Lunka is second on the squad with three.
Ian Moosey assisted on Zovko’s goal while Kyle Work fed Lunka.
Tyler Banyasz recorded five saves in the game against a dangerous Wickliffe squad.
“They have team speed that made it difficult for our forwards,” Valentic said. “We didn’t have easy chances and had to earn our goals. I’m happy for the team and the character they showed.”
With the win, the Hornets improved to 3-0 on the year and 1-0 in league play.
Kirtland travels to Hawken on Thursday.
