by Austin Coats, sports editor

In their final game of preseason, the Consol boys soccer team hosted Magnolia West. In a game climaxing in the second half, the Tigers look to be prepared for district, winning 3-2.

The Tigers started a little shaky, having some trouble keeping possession. That all changed nine minutes into the game. Consol won a corner, and junior David Gan converted it into a goal, heading it past a motionless Magnolia West keeper. From then and throughout the game the Tigers settled down and passed with better results.

Fifteen minutes from the first goal, the Tigers found themselves countering an attack from Magnolia West. Sophomore Josh Hart made a great run out of defense, received an excellent through ball, and slotted a goal under the keeper’s attempt just in time to double Consol’s lead. For the rest of the half, the Tigers sat back, but controlled play and kept their lead into halftime.

Magnolia West went into the second half as an immediate problem for Consol. Five minutes in Magnolia converted a penalty after an apparent foul from Consol’s goalkeeper, junior Niall Creager. Another mistake cost the Tigers their lead as the back line gave Magnolia space outside the box – a shot from twenty-five yards out hit upper ninety as Magnolia West tied the game.

In response, Consol took control of the game. Sophomore Fernando Flores had two chances to return the lead to the Tigers but his first shot careened off the crossbar and his second, after dribbling past a defender and the keeper, bounced off the near post.

With seven minutes remaining, the Tigers needed a goal and senior Ian Pierson answered. After more quick possession play, freshman Felix Avellenada played a bouncing ball into the space in front of him. Pierson took a first touch shot on the bounce which over-powered the keeper’s out-stretched hand. Sharp passing and possession play worked for Consol again as they took the game 3-2.

The 3-4 Tigers start district play as they host Huntsville at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.