While they had to wait for their opener because of weather, it was a fast start to the season once it arrived for the Hillcrest Academy boys soccer team Thursday as they handled the WACO Warriors by a 4-0 score in a Southeast Iowa Superconference match. The Ravens built a 3-0 halftime lead behind early goals from Seth Ours, Micah Gerber and Rowan Miller. Hillcrest got an insurance goal after break when Miller beat the Warrior defense for the second time to make it 4-0. Jesse Blossom added two assists and Gerber had a helper to go with his goal. Kyle Neuschwander turned in a clean sheet in goal for the Ravens, making five saves. After the match, Miller and Neuschwander joined KCII Sports to talk about their roles in the win.

Miller said, “I feel like we were able to get the ball up the field early in the game. We got it there often, we got out wide and the wings were able to cross it in enough and our guys in the middle put shots on goal to the corners, not just to the keeper. First goal, I kicked it and fell down, I didn’t really see it go, but everyone started going crazy so I knew. The second one just was passed up ahead and I got a touch on it, made it through, kicked it in, then ran over the keeper after I kicked it.”

Neuschwander added, “This feels really good. The first goal was really fun and important to get the lead. (Mason) Helmuth did really really well tonight. My centerbacks did so much tonight. I didn’t have to do much. I think they only had six shots on goal tonight. Which is nice and comfortable.”

Hillcrest starts the season 1-0 and is back in action Monday when they host Central Lee. WACO is 1-2 with a Monday trip to Danville.