sports

SAVE ON PENALTY KICK GIVES PIRATE BOYS SOCCER A DRAW OVER MELROSE

August 31, 2023

The Crookston Pirate Boys Soccer team played great defense in their match against Melrose, shutting them out in the second half. Blake Melsa came through in the clutch to save a penalty kick with three minutes remaining in the match, as the Pirates secured a 1-1 draw.

FIRST HALF –
Melrose came out right away and showed physicality that the Pirates had not yet had to deal with. The Pirates were up to the task as they went blow for blow in the first ten minutes, with both teams having equal possession time. Melrose got the scoring started with Alexis Beccera scoring in the 13th minute. The Pirates responded 10 minutes later with Caden Boike receiving a centering pass from Brannon Tangquist, and he buried it to tie up the game 1-1. The rest of the half saw even play between both teams, with a 1-1 tie going into halftime.

SECOND HALF –
The second half was a defensive struggle, with Melrose continuing to play aggressively. The Crookston defense held strong, with Jackson Reese and Kaden Edwards leading the way. Both teams were even in possession and scoring opportunities, but neither could put it in the net.
The physical play of Melrose would culminate in a red card for elbowing a Crookston player in the 75th minute. Crookston would immediately use this to put pressure on the Melrose goalie, but Adan Lara Ambriz was up to the task, making 10 saves in the second half.
Despite being down a player due to the red card, Melrose would get themselves a penalty kick with about three minutes left. Blake Melsa made an incredible save to keep Melrose from taking the lead, and the last three minutes would pass with no more scoring, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.

Crookston goes to 1-1-1 on the season and plays Fergus Falls Hillcrest next Thursday. Melsora goes to 0-2-1 on the season.