It was an unseasonably warm October evening for the first round of IHSAA sectionals with your Millers taking on the Bearcats of Muncie Central. While the rankings listed on MaxPreps said this would be a lopsided game, the Bearcats came out and played a tremendous game. They were disciplined tactically and constantly frustrated the Millers attack. They had 2 forwards up top that knew there role was get a goal on a quick counterattack, hoping to steal a goal and win the contest 1-0. For most of the night it looked like their tactics would work.
Your Millers had plenty of opportunities in both halves to score. They had plenty of room to work on the wings but once they made it into the final third, the Bearcats clamped down and provided no space inside the 18. Plus, the Bearcats goalkeeper made numerous saves and his positioning was sound. The Millers thought they had their breakthrough towards the end of the first half. Senior Sam Holland was brought down in the box, drawing a penalty kick. However, the Muncie Central goalkeeper made an outstanding save on the subsequent PK to keep the game level going into halftime.
At halftime, the Millers didn’t panic even though the score was nil-nil. They knew that eventaully they would wear down the Bearcat defense. They simply needed to keep to the game plan.
With about 20 minutes remaining in the game, the Millers thought they pulled ahead with a goal by Sam Holland, However, it was called back with Holland being in an offside position when he received a deflected shot from freshmen Ben Hewitt. 5 minutes later, the Millers scored and it would not be called back for offside. A beautiful weighted cross by senior Alex Pursch from the left flank found senior Ashton Craig on the back post for a lovely header that was tucked just inside the post past a diving goalkeeper. Less than 1 minute later, Hewitt decided to double the score all on his own. He collected the ball near midfield, turned towards goal and dribbled 40 yards, beating a few defenders along the way. His last dribble placed the ball on his weaker, left foot so he could avoid a defender at the top of the 18. He uncorked a shot with said left foot (which might not be his weaker foot afterall!) that beat the GK to the right post. Your Millers held on to this 2-0 lead as the clock struck zeroes to survive and advance.
Kudos to the Bearcats on a highly successful season. They played an excellent game and should be applauded for their efforts.
Your Millers play the Arabians of Pendleton Heights on Wednesday at 5:30PM. Come on out and support your Millers as they inch closer to a 3rd consecutive state title!