The Alternative Press

SUMMIT, NJ - As the varsity team gets deeper into their season they begin to play some of there biggest rivals. On Thursday, September 21, 2012, Jonathan Dayton High School of Springfield faced off against Summit High School on the Upper Tatlock turf in Summit and Summit came away the 2-0 victors.

Last season Dayton had eliminated Summit’s Varsity team from the county tournament in a 4-0 blowout. Summit Junior and Varsity defender James Strabley said, “We have a good team this year and if we work hard we will be able to do well this season.” 

Before the game began Summit had a record of 2-1-1 and Dayton was 2-2. With such similar records both teams had to bring their A-game to the field.

As the game began both teams struggled to keep the ball on offense. Much of the first 20 minutes was played around the midfield and no goals were scored. There were two shots on Dayton’s goal but both were saved by goalkeeper Andrew Shanes.  One shot on Summit’s goal just tipped the top post keeping the score tied 0-0.

Summit began to take the offensive with multiple shots on goal. In a fight for the ball A Dayton player (#12) tripped Summit Junior Ryan Hughes.  The Dayton player  was issued a yellow card. 

Summit’s Ashley Healy took the free kick, which was headed over the goal.  Summit was given a corner kick.   Healy crossed the ball to the front of the goal resulting in a fight for possession. The ball was kicked to Summit midfielder James Holzer who tapped the ball into the goal.  Summit 1, Dayton 0.

Later, Summit Junior Ryan Hughes took the ball up the field on his own dodging everyone is his path. As he rushed to the goal he was blocked by defenders for Dayton and Hughes was unable to score.

Dayton  took the ball upfield and shot from outside.  The ball missed the mark and Summit continued to lead 1-0.

As the ball makes its way up and down the field Summit goalkeeper Brendan Krain and Dayton goalkeeper Andrew Shanes both had to keep up with the heavy competition.

Summit’s Josh Tames rushed to the goal multiple times but was stopped by Dayton’s defense. Shots by Tames, Healy, Andrew Gutierrez, and Eric Przedpelski were blocked by Shanes’ constant guard on the goal and quick reflexes.

With 19 minutes left Andre Zeldon passed to Ryan Hughes who put the ball into the back of the net to give Summit a 2-0 advantage.

Summit backup goalie Nick Zachara stated, "Great win against a solid Dayton team. Defense played great, and we had a couple of lucky breaks at the back along with some key saves from Krain. Hughes really came in big in the second half where he drew a penalty close to the goal, then made them pay by putting it in the back of the net."

The game ended in a 2-0 victory for Summit.