Friday night under the lights was on the agenda as Continental High Boys Soccer played at Miller City in their Putnam County League home opener in a battle of undefeateds. The Pirates defense of the PCL Championship did not go to script as the Wildcats scored first and was the first goal the Pirates had given up in 3 games. The Wildcats would find the back of the net off a throw in that was headed in from the 5 a little over 20 minutes into the game. The Pirates would change goalies with 14:47 but that was when Pirates defense stepped up. The Pirates using ball control and speed tied the game with 7:38 left in the half when Jackson Bidlack put a shot in from the 10. The Pirates took the lead 2-0 just 40 seconds later when Collin Hammond put a shot in from the 12 following a free kick pass from Quinn Tegenkamp. Pirates 2-1 half. The Pirates took a 3-1 advantage when they took a free kick across the field to Monty Rayle who returned the ball to the other side of the field where Rhettik Bowers found the back of the net from the 15. Pirates 3-1 final.
Jackson Bidlack, Collin Hammond, and Rhettik Bowers each scored a goal. Quinn Tegenkamp and Monty Rayle picked up assists. Ried Tegenkamp picked up the win in goal in relief making 3 saves. Jayden Pitney started the game in goal for the Pirates and made 1 save. The Pirates had a 6-5 advantage on shots on goal while holding a 2-1 advantage on corner kicks.
Continental improves to 5-0 (1-0 PCL) and travel to Lima Temple Christian on Tuesday. Miller City falls to 4-1 (0-1 PCL).
–Mike Jones, Sportswriter
