On a scorching September afternoon at the Pettisville soccer field, Wauseon squeaked out a 1-0 lead over the Blackbirds in boys soccer action.
The first half belonged to Pettisville as the ball was in their offensive end for much of the half. As time was running out, a goal was scored by Pettisville’s Jakob Waidelich only to have it nullified by an offside call against the Blackbirds’ Andrew Sauder.
The first four or five minutes of the second half was again played in the Blackbirds offensive end. The tide would turn after that point as Wauseon’s Leo Rendon broke away and booted the ball into the south goal from the right side for the game-winning goal.
The Blackbirds outshot the Indians 14-11, but it was the second half drive both offensively and defensively that led the Indians to the win.
“The play was really lop sided in the first half with mainly Pettisville controlling the game, Wauseon coach Shawn Kaufmann said. ” We really seem to be a second half team.”
Brady Kinnersley, new to the Wauseon program, was the keeper in the match and had several key saves and earned the shutout.
“To my knowledge, this is his first introduction to competitive soccer. He has no travel experience or high school playing experience prior to this season. He is an exceptional athlete and though I’ve never seen him play his other sports, basketball and baseball, there’s no doubt he excels in those as well. He is still learning the keeper position but did a few things last night to show me he is getting more comfortable.”