PHS ties Cabell Midland

By MATT LOCKE

Sports Writer

PHS 2, Cabell Midland 2

Though Cabell Midland was unable to get any shots past Parkersburg goalie Brent McGee while the clock was rolling, the two that went in when it was stop was all that mattered at Stadium Field on Saturday.

Two goals from Ryan Grant wasn’t enough to put the Big Reds ahead of the Mohigans, thanks to two Caleb Meadows penalty kicks that found the net.

Each team missed a close-range header in the first 90 seconds of the match, a precursor to the battle that lie ahead. Two evenly matched teams played a very physical

"It was just two good teams going at each other," Fosselman said of the match. "We played well, but it was unfortunate the game had to be decided on two penalty kicks."

It was PHS who struck first. Big Red forward Cody brown drove to the end line and sent a crossing pass to Ryan Grant who was headed to the back post.

A one-touch from Grant put the ball on the top shelf, out of reach of Knights keeper Tyler Hetzer. With 9:31 left in the half, a Knight forward went down inside the Big Reds keeper box resulting in a penalty kick. Meadows’ shot got by McGee to tie the score at one.

Meadows’ goal was the first to be scored on the Big Reds in seven matches, but another goal would soon follow.

Senior defender Tim Stephens sent a ball over the line of Knights defenders and once again Grant was in position to make a play. The sophomore midfielder settled the ball and put it past the Knight net-minder to take a 2-1 lead.

Parkersburg continued to attack in the second half, depending on a sturdy defense to keep Cabell Midland out of the red zone. One particular trip into Big Red territory resulted in the Knights’ second penalty kick of the day.

Meadow’s perfectly placed kick barely got past a diving McGee, tying the score at two apiece. The Big Red defense was a strong force, but two penalty kicks is certainly an anomaly in high school soccer.

Senior attacking midfielder Michael Pitrolo moved to sweeper (center midfield) for the match-up against the Knights. Pitrolo’s balance, ball control and passing ability makes it clear why West Virginia University has already set in motion plans for his arrival.

Several of Pitrolo’s field-length passes were on target to set up offensive runs for the Big Reds and once again Grant came through by being in the right spot at the right time with the right touch.

Parkersburg now looks to continue its 13 game ’non-losing’ streak in it’s last home game of the regular season against Hurricane on Thursday. The Big Reds will also celebrate senior night with the junior varsity beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity following at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Matt Locke at mlocke@newsandsentinel.com