Golden Eagles continue torrid start with shutout victory over Eastbrook

Despite losing 10 seniors from a 13-win team a season ago, the Oak Hill Golden Eagles’ start to the 2020 campaign has exceeded expectations. 

Coming off their first-ever victory over defending Class 1A state champion Argos, Oak Hill remained red hot on Tuesday with a 1-0 triumph over Grant County rival Eastbrook. 

Dalian Leach scored the lone goal of the contest 14 minutes in, while Seth O’Blenis held his own in the box, making four saves for his second shutout of the season. 

“I thought we did a really good job of executing some of the things we talked about before the game and some of the stuff we’ve been struggling with in the past couple of games – playing quick, limiting our touches, and finding switches through our midfield and backs,” Oak Hill Head Coach Joel Garverick said. “I think that really opened up the game for us.”

For much of the opening 40 minutes, Oak Hill dominated possession, making crisp, effective passes while hampering the Panthers’ offensive push.

“We were a little flat, and Oak Hill is disciplined,” Eastbrook Head Coach Adam Hallis said. “They possess the ball well, and they have won some big games already this year. They are a good team.” 

The Golden Eagles’ consistent pressure led to several quality scoring chances throughout the evening, and at the 26:14 mark of the first half, that pressure paid off.  After finding some room in the middle of the field, Leach fired a gorgeous shot from 15 yards out, scorching it past Eastbrook goalkeeper Tytus Anthony and breaking the scoreless tie. 

“I actually had to drop him in a little bit deeper, and he looked like a natural there,” Garverick said. “I think anywhere you put Dalian on the field in an attacking position, he is going to find a way to get shots off and create good chances. He did that tonight. He’s always a danger.”

Oak Hill’s defensive back line held firm the remainder of the half, allowing just one Eastbrook shot. 

The Panthers had their share of scoring chances early in the second half, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Jake McKim headed a ball just wide of the net in the first 10 minutes, and a short time later, Sam Spiegal, forced to play in the field due to some Eastbrook injuries, stumbled on a breakaway leading to an easy save for O’Blenis. 

Eastbrook continued to push in the second half, putting more pressure on Oak Hill’s defense in the final 20 minutes of the contest. However, the Golden Eagles’ back line stood tall, and O’Blenis made several key saves in crucial situations.

Despite only having one returning starter in Hank Vanbibber, Oak Hill’s defense is beginning to find its rhythm and confidence.  

“That’s our biggest improvement from the start of the season to now,” Garverick said. “Our back line has really gelled. I think Hank [VanBibber] has done an incredible job not only in stepping up himself but also getting everybody organized. Matthew [Strange] hasn’t played soccer since he was in fifth or sixth grade, and he has done a great job of asking the right questions and filling in. 

“It’s everybody just stepping up and filling in their role.” 

Shots were 12-6 in favor of Oak Hill, including an 8-4 advantage in shots on frame. Eastbrook collected five of their six shots in the second half. 

“I thought, technically, we weren’t far off from where we were at Marion. We were just a little flat,” Hallis said. “They make you run and they make you chase. That kind of wore us out. They did a good job there.”

The 2020 season is still in its fledgling stage, but four games in, the Golden Eagles look to have something special brewing in western Grant County. 

“It’s great for our confidence,” Garverick said. “We’ve got three returning starters, so we’ve got a lot of inexperience. We are recognizing what we are capable of and where we can go. We have to find a way to continue to gel together and make stuff happen. I’ve been proud of how we’ve started the season.”

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