Elek McDonald scored two goals and Seamus Kral, Wyatt Kunevicius, Kyle Streibel and Sam Belitz each had one to lead Independence to a 6-0 win over visiting Open Door Christian Academy on Thursday.
More importantly, the state-ranked Blue Devils remained undefeated at 10-0 and moved into the Ohio High School Athletic Association record book with eight consecutive shutouts. Independence is tied for 12th in the state.
“The boys are still focused on trying to go undefeated in the regular season, but that target keeps getting bigger and teams are coming out trying to knock off the top team,” said Independence coach Ryan MacRaild. “We just try to break the game down and stick with what works, move the ball around, find the open man and make plays.”
Tyler Korecko recorded two saves in the win to extend his school record for career shutouts to 23.
“It’s a great feeling that we’ve been able to stay consistent due to our hard work and focus in practice and in the game,” Korecko said. “I’m so appreciative of my defense. They make my job much easier by pressuring and ultimately limiting the shots on goal.”
Independence led just 2-0 at the half but dominated play in the final 40 minutes.
McDonald also recorded an assist in the win.
“Elek had a great game,” MacRaild said. “He is definitely an unsung hero on this team. When the ball goes through him, good things happen.”
Kunevicius added two assists while Belitz and Luke Wisniewski each had one.
Independence hosts Berkshire on Tuesday.
