The Brandon boys soccer team ran into an undefeated league foe in Linden Oct. 4 and showed their mettle.
The Eagles, for the first time all season, did not win a game, as they battled the visiting Blackhawks to a 3-3 tie. Brandon is now 5-5-4 overall and 2-4-3 in the Flint Metro League, while Linden, ranked third in the state, is 14-0-1 overall and 8-0-1 in the league.
Brandon coach Nathan Hunter said the game was a big step in the right direction for the Blackhawks.
‘I think it was a terrific game for us,? he said. ‘The kids knew Linden was state ranked. We simply felt that if we played our best soccer, we can play with anyone and be competitive.?
Both teams failed to score in the first half, which set the stage for a second-half shootout. After the Eagles scored two goals to take the lead, the Blackhawks rallied to go out in front.
Chris Hunter scored the Blackhawks? first goal off an assist from Ryan Morales, and Joey Smith then followed on an assist by Hunter. With about 20 minutes left, Hunter scored on a penalty kick to put the Blackhawks up 3-2.
Linden countered with another goal with about 13 minutes left, and both teams were held scoreless the rest of the way.
The Blackhawks entered the contest missing a few players and trying to fight off injuries. Chris Hunter, despite scoring the two goals, was playing in pain due to an ACL tear ? ‘He’s sort of on one leg,? Nathan Hunter said ? and Keith Tasker and Alex Kovetz could not compete due to injuries.
As the regular season winds down, Nathan Hunter hopes the team’s health will improve and the Blackhawks can build on their performance against Linden.
‘We’d like to repeat last night’s performance every time out,? he said. ‘We’ll see where we end up.?