Both Independence and visiting Hawken entered Thursday’s non-conference match without a loss.
The Blue Devils remained perfect with a 3-0 win over the Hawks at Stan Skoczen Stadium at Alumni Field.
“We talked about it in the offseason that we need to build up our schedule a bit to prepare for the playoffs,” said Independence coach Ryan MacRaild. “We knew we had to add some good teams. This was one we had circled on the calendar to get ready for and prepare for. It was kind of a statement game for us.”
That statement was loud and clear as the Blue Devils were dominant on both ends of the field.
“It really was a team effort tonight,” MacRaild said. “The defense was anchored by Luke Wisniewski, Joe Wisniewski, Kyle Streibel, Jimmy Senick and Adam Leibal. Sam Belitz created chances with Elek McDonald out of the middle for Wyatt Kunevicius and Seamus Kral, while Christian Streibel helped control the wing play as well. It was a great effort by all the players.”
Tyler Korecko added to his school record with his 19th career clean sheet.
Kral gave Independence a 1-0 lead with about 13 minutes left to play in the first half, but he had earlier opportunities to score.
“He sprung through their back line a couple of times and had some opportunities,” MacRaild said. “Seamus beat their keeper on a shot but the defender, Eric Oyen, ran across the goal and headed it out. The kid made an amazing save.”
Kral didn’t miss on his next opportunity.
“The first goal came from a good ball from Kyle Streibel,” Kral said. “I had it in space and beat the keeper. It was just me and the goal.”
Independence’s second goal came on a Belitz penalty kick after Kral was obstructed in the box.
Kral made it 3-0 in the second half.
“The second one came from another great build up from our defense up through our midfield and I was sprung loose with a ball from Elek McDonald,” Kral said. “That’s what we work on in practice, just finishing our chances and controlling the game, and I feel we did a very good job of that tonight. With this win, we really feel that the sky is the limit, and we feel we have a good chance to make some noise throughout the rest of the regular season into the playoffs.”
Independence improved to 6-0 on the year and now the Blue Devils have a signature win to their credit.
“We watched them play Kirtland the other night and we knew they’d be strong and play fast and physical,” MacRaild said of the Hawks. “It was a total team effort all the way around. We really jelled tonight and showed we can hang with the big boys.”
