Columbus East’s chances of upsetting Class 3A No. 12 Fishers took a big hit less than a minute into Saturday’s boys soccer game.
The Tigers’ Valentino Lopez scored a goal just 35 seconds into the match. The Olympians didn’t give up another goal for more than 54 minutes, but Fishers added two more to post a 3-0 victory.
“We didn’t have the best start,” East coach Sam LaVelle said. “But I thought the boys bounced back and created some chances. But ultimately, some mental mistakes today led to some goals for them, and that was the difference maker.”
The Olympians (3-4-1) came close to tying the game in the 52nd minute. Following a corner kick, the ball bounced out to Ronan Maier, who put a shot just over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, the Tigers’ Drew Palmer scored to make it 2-0. Fishers’ Austin Geesaman scored the final goal in the 70th minute.
“They’re a really good team, and the way our boys fought and competed, I think the scoreline doesn’t give an accurate picture of the game,” LaVelle said.
The Tigers outshot East 17-4, putting 10 shots on goal to one for the Olympians. Ryder Meek recorded seven saves.
“I thought we competed pretty well,” LaVelle said. “We had to rely on some young guys today and throughout this week, and I thought the young guys stepped up and played well.”
