Motivation can come in a multitude of forms this time of year.
Sept. 17 when University traveled to Kenston, one word was common and emanated from the postmatch huddle.
“Crop.”
Yes, it’s true: Word had reached Hunting Valley that US had relinquished the No. 1 spot in The News-Herald boys soccer Top of the Crop to the host Bombers this past week.
They wanted it back — and with a commanding 80, it’s theirs once more.
Anderson Gardner and Aiden Ptacek netted in the opening 40, Luca DiCenso contributed a second-half strike and US was dominant in stretches in the attack en route to a 3-0 victory over a highly capable Kenston side.
#NHsoccer US sophomore outside back Aaron Moss discusses a 3-0 win at Kenston
Young man had himself a nice 80 – I always admire the trust John puts in his outside backs to basically play up as wingbacks & contribute in the attack, & Aaron was fabulous in that role today 👍 pic.twitter.com/P0uDhGnxc5— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) September 18, 2022
It was more of a question of general form with the Preppers (7-3-1) that knocked them out of No. 1 in the first place, with losses to North Canton Hoover, St. Ignatius and Upper Arlington — the Hoover result featuring a nightmarish second half. But after taking down the Bombers, US is now 5-0-1 against fellow News-Herald coverage area sides this fall, all in or threatening for the Crop, and have outscored those foes, 19-5.
If “Crop” was part of the mission, consider it accomplished in spades.
“Yeah, it was finally about time that we put together a solid performance,” Preppers coach John Ptacek said. “I thought the boys played really well.”
That they did, taking a deserved 2-0 lead from the opening 40.
It started in the 18th minute, when Aaron Moss, who had a laudable match wide left in a wingback and later midfield role, served for Gardner, The junior striker slotted a near-post header for his 15th goal of 2022.
#NHsoccer US 1-0
Anderson Gardner 18th min pic.twitter.com/P0cr2S7AYC— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) September 17, 2022
Ptacek delivered his usual comprehensive quality helping guide the side in the attack, and he had a goal to show for it in the 36th, a classy low-90 effort for his 12th goal of the fall.
#NHsoccer US 2-0
Aiden Ptacek pure class low 90 36th min pic.twitter.com/dsyiglGkrY— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) September 17, 2022
DiCenso, who also impressed in an outside mid role throughout, added the third in the 55th, taking care of a right-footed effort from the top of the box for his first goal of the season.
US enjoyed an 11-1 shots on target advantage against the Bombers (5-2-1) and their potent attack led by standout seniors Carter Flynn and Parker Munday.
“I was just glad — it was about time we put it together for 80 minutes,” DiCenso said. “The team worked hard today. I think we definitely got what we deserved. I was proud of us. Everyone did their part, and it was a good, solid game.
“One, we wanted this game. It was the Top of the Crop. We wanted to come for it. We want that No. 1 spot. We had a good week in practice. The boys were ready. We came out firing. We set the tone. We set the bar, and they had to match it. When we’re able to set the intensity that the other team has to match, I think we’re a pretty good team.”
