COLUMBUS
Coming to Columbus East’s home turf Tuesday night, Seymour proved it could play physical soccer.
Battling the Olympians in a knock-down, drag-it-out match, the Owls came out victorious 1-0 in their Hoosier Hills Conference opener.
The win also marked the third straight year that Seymour won the “O Cup” between the two schools.
“I think this is the most complete game we have played in quite honestly a couple years,” Owls coach Matt Dennis said. “It’s the most physical I have seen us play. They decided they were going to go out and try and win every ball. That’s a different mindset than we have had before.”
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryBoth teams battled for possession throughout a physical first half with East (0-4, 0-1) holding control during the opening 20 minutes taking four shots on goal.
Over the final 20 minutes, the Owls took control culminating in the first goal of the match in the 24th minute.
Seymour (3-1, 1-0 HHC) sent a cross from the left side of the field into the box for senior Daniel Hartman.
While in stride to take the shot, an East defender sent Hartman to the ground, resulting in a penalty kick. Hartman capitalized, putting the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to give the Owls the 1-0 lead.
“I was going to hit it in the right corner. That’s what was on my mind. One thing,” said Hartman of his thoughts before taking the penalty kick.
The second half was a defensive struggle, as neither team was able to produce any goals.
The Olympians outshot the Owls 4-3 in the second half, coming close to putting one in the net during a four-minute stretch midway through the half. East took three corner kicks and a goal kick from just outside the box, but the Owls defense held strong keeping the Olympians off the board.
“It was just a really complete win. It’s good to get a road win. It’s a good start to conference play. I’m just really proud of the boys and their effort tonight,” Dennis said.