Fulton Tops Mexico, 1-0

A much improved Mexico team gave the Hornets a stiff challenge on Thursday night at Westminster College, but Jake Pierce's goal late in the 2nd half was enough to give Fulton the deserved victory.

The Hornets came out with a slightly new look, playing in a 4-4-2 formation.  With the extra midfielder Fulton enjoyed solid control of the midfield.  Quick passing combinations between the midfield and the back line allowed the Hornets to dominate possession, but the Hornets had difficulty translating that possession into shots on goal in the first half.  In fact, the Bulldogs had a slight advantage in shots going into the break, with only a few long distance efforts from Fulton.

The second half was a different story.  The forward line seemed to finally find its path to goal as the Hornets sprang both Nick Seelinger and Peter Plakorus for solo runs behind the defense.  Unfortunately, both hard-driven shots went high.  Meanwhile the Fulton defense continued to snuff out the Mexico attacks and keep them largely pinned deep in their own half.

Despite the clear advantage enjoyed by the Hornets, the game appeared to be headed to overtime when Fulton scored on a controversial play with 8 minutes to go.  The play began when Nick Heimericks sent a freekick deep into the Mexico penalty box.  The Mexico keeper appeared to have it but the ball came loose and Pierce was able to knock the ball over the line.  The Mexico team appeared to have a strong case for a foul, but the center ref -- after a quick consultation with his assistant -- ruled that the ball had been bobbled and upheld the goal.  Mexico's efforts to tie the game proved futile and the Hornets were able to celebrate a well-deserved -- and long overdue -- victory.

Much credit for the victory goes to the defensive line.  Morgan Milligan and Nick Heimericks played superbly in the center, especially in the second half, breaking up numerous attacks and doing well to distribute the ball to launch attack after attack.  Scott Strough, Steven Maddox, and Darren Jones also did well in patrolling the flanks and limiting the dangers to keeper Dan McClure, who was credited with his fifth shutout of the season.

The Hornets have little time to rest as they travel to the Camdenton tournament tomorrow to take on the West Plains Zizzers in their opening game at 8:00 on Friday evening.  On Saturday, the Hornets will play the host Camdenton Lakers (11:00) and the Lebanon Yellowjackets (3:00).