Mariners chalk up win against Ketchikan boys </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 9:02 PM on Thursday, May 14, 2009

Mariners chalk up win against Ketchikan boys

By Aaron Selbig
Staff writer

The Mariners started the sports week off on a positive note, rising to the challenge of a May 6 soccer home meeting against Ketchikan with inspired play that turned the game into a gripping back-and-forth affair.

The Kings had several opportunities early in the first half -- including a pair of corner kicks and a breakaway 10 feet in front of the Homer goal line -- but all were turned away by Mariner goalkeeper Ben Daigle.

Photo by Aaron Selbig

Homer defender Luke Eckert (right) tries to block a backfield pass during a May 6 game against Ketchkan.

Inspired by the play of Daigle and their defense, the Homer offense gained traction in the second, taking a 1-0 lead on a Kyle Wisner crossing shot that flew passed the outstretched hands of the Ketchikan keeper and into the corner of the net.

The Ms, leading 1-0, had several scoring opportunities after their first goal but couldn't connect until late in the half when midfielder Nicolas Monteiro rifled a high velocity shot from 20 feet away in the middle of the field that found the back of the net.

The triumphant Mariners, cheered on by a small but loud group of fans who braved rain throughout the contest, came of the wet, muddy field with their first win of the 2009 season.

On Friday, the boys battled the West Valley Wolfpack at home. With two goals early in the game, the Mariners were never able to pull ahead, and fell to the Wolfpack 2-0.

Early the next morning, after an arduous, four-hour bus ride, the Mariners kicked off against the Seward Seahawks. Thirty-eight minutes into the first half, Nicolas Monteiro found David Buckley for the first score of the game. Shortly after halftime, freshman Robin Glosser found the back of the net, clinching the score at 2-0. But 11 minutes later, the Seahawks managed to slip one by Daigle, making the rest of the game intense.

"David Buckley had a great week for the team," said Head Coach Warren Waldorf. With Mark Walsworth gone on Saturday, Buckley stepped up to receive the coveted "icebreaker" award of the first goal, after receiving "Man of the Game" against West Valley. Waldorf continues to be impressed with the leadership of Buckley, Walsworth and Monteiro.

Coming up for the Mariners are three very crucial games this week, for all three will determine placement in the region tournament. Both the boys and girls traveled to Skyview to challenge the Panthers on Wednesday. They face off against Nikiski and Kenai this weekend. Both games are at home.

Homer High School senior Piper Daugharty contributed to this story.