The Oxford Wildcats varsity boys soccer team came away with a spirited home-opener win against the Captains of Waterford-Kettering 1-0 last Monday.
‘The game was a battle of the midfields,? said Head Coach John Thaler. ‘Oxford took the lead and ultimately the lone-goal game at the 17-minute mark.?
Midfielder Justin Westphal fed a great pass to senior captain Chase Garavaglia who slotted a pass to senior captain Travis Simat.
Simat calmly shot to the far post. The first half ended 1- 0. ‘Junior Michael Dobies only had to make one save as the defense of David Kitchner, captain Joe Hurford, Matt Reed and Travis Alderman held their ground and never allowed the Captains any real chances on goal,? Thaler added.
The second half saw more spirited play from both sides.
‘The Captains had a few chances but all their shots were sent wide,? Thaler said.
Oxford pressed again in the second half. Sophomore Greg Knox placed a perfect free-kick into the box which saw junior Emmanuel Ibarra nearly flick the ball into the back of the net. The Wildcats finished the night with six shots on goal. Oxford starts their season at 1-0 and began league play on Aug. 27 against North Farmington.