The Oxford Varsity Soccer team dominated the field this past week with a three-game winning streak in league competition that left their competitors breathless.
On September 7, the kickers fought hard against the Fenton Tigers for their 4-3 win.
‘At Fenton, Oxford played its most physical game of the year so far,? said Coach John Thaler.
Oxford opened up the game with a goal from Brandon McKay off an assist from Bryan Ward. Sophomore Zac Wasylyna then held the momentum with a goal off a great pass from McKay.
Thaler said the goal of the night once again came from Wasylyna on a diving header from David Kourtjian, who had taken the ball to the far post and crossed it. The Wildcats closed the first half with their last goal of the night off a corner kick as Josh Reaume scored a rocket from outside the penalty box.
The Wildcats opened up the second half 4-0, but could not contain the Tigers. Fenton scored two quick goals in the first fifteen minutes of the second half and then scored their third shortly after.
‘Oxford just got out played during the second half against Fenton,? said Thaler. ‘Fenton scored the third goal with about 20 minutes left in the game.?
Oxford managed to control the field for the remaining 20 minutes to win the night. Midfielder Zac Wasylyna was voted ‘Best Sportsmanship? of the match by the fans at the game.
On September 9, the Wildcats returned to the field to continue their streak with a 2-0 win over Lapeer East. Oxford came out strong in the first half, holding down East and making a few shots on goal. However, nothing was converted until senior Brandon McKay netted a point right at the end of the half.
Similar to the Fenton game, Oxford returned to the second half weak, but once again managed to come roaring back with some good shots on goal. The team’s second goal was finally earned after East was called for a foul in the penalty box. Bryan Ward converted the point kick for his first goal of the season.
The kickers wrapped up their successful week with a 2-1 win over Brandon.
Oxford’s first goal was scored midway through the first half off a volley by Team Captain Paul Ebenhoeh. Despite the Wildcats keeping up some fast-paced game play, Brandon managed to score their only goal about ten minutes later off a late clearance from the back.
Just before the half, Oxford’s Ward took the ball deep into the corner for a beautiful cross to Kourtjian, who headed the ball into the back of the net. The teams went into the break with the Cats ahead by one.
The rest of the match saw the two team’s fighting back and forth, but with no results.
‘The second half saw some physical play with Oxford’s defense showing great patience and skill to keep the opposition out,? praised Thaler.
The Wildcats played on Wednesday against Lapeer West, the final opponent in first round league action. Oxford’s last game away, before returning to their newly constructed home field, will be at the Royal Oak District on September 20.
The kickers will dedicate their new field on September 22 against Linden. The Wildcats lost to the Eagles in their first round of league play on August 30, so the team will be roaring to settle some scores as they go forward with a 4-1 league record.