Morton’s boys soccer opener Aug. 24 went as well as the team could have hoped.
The Potters returned from the Quad Cities with a 2-0 non-conference victory over East Moline United Township.
“The guys passed the first test with flying colors,” MHS head coach Brian Deters said.
A back line with very limited varsity experience performed admirably and goalkeeper Jordan Repholz registered his first shutout of the year.
Morton’s returning all-sectional players put the team on top.
A header in the 55th minute by Adam Bazzetta on a serve from Matt Rossi broke a scoreless tie.
The Potters bumped the margin to two in the 72nd minute when Gerson Rodriguez delivered a goal on a Mark Murphy helper.
Deters said he was as pleased with that opener as he has been in his coaching career against a formidable foe who was fast, strong, organized and experienced.
Still, he cautioned the team not to get too high with the rest of the season left.
MHS 1, Normal U-High 1
The Potters tied the well-regarded Pioneers Thursday.
Despite losing a lot of players from a Class 2A sectional finalist, U-High was ready for Morton (1-0-1).
“They came in efficient, strong and played a physical game,” Deters said of the contest that featured 32 fouls, 19 on the Pioneers. “It was a rugged high school soccer match.”
One of U-High’s big weapons was Jake Irwin, whose long throw-ins and ability to drive the ball 60-plus yards made the visitors dangerous on set pieces.
Besides a goal started with a Kirk throw-in 26 minutes into the match, the Potters kept the Pioneers out of the net.
“We had the better run of play overall,” said Deters, whose team generated 20 shots to U-High’s 14.
Only five of Morton’s shots were on goal, however, an area Deters said the squad will work on for future games.
With less than 15 minutes left, Bazzetta tied it on a score assisted by Dylan Henricks.
The Potters had some late chances, including a close attempt by Taylor Hartseil, but they did not result in any goals.
Deters said it was a good first week, leaving Morton feeling good about where it is at this stage. The back line, featuring players such as Ben Streeter, Brandon McCormick, Mark Anderson and Tyler Sniff, stepped up in particular.
