Photo Courtesy of Hillcrest Academy Yearbook

The Hillcrest Academy boys soccer team scored an important road win Friday night in Burlington, taking down the Notre Dame Nikes 1-0 on their home field. The defenses controlled the first 40 minutes of action, as did the prevailing cross wind, sending the match to halftime scoreless. In the second half, the Raven offense broke through in the 44th minute when Mason Swartzendruber collected a deflection far post and drilled a shot to the back of the net to put Hillcrest up 1-0. The Raven defense continued to stonewall the Nike attack, holding Notre Dame off the board for the final 30 plus minutes to secure the win. After the contest, Ravens, Swartzendruber, and defensive standout Lincoln Miller, joined KCII Sports to talk about the Hillcrest win.

Swartzendruber said, “We stuck to our plan and I think it paid off. I honestly thought I wouldn’t score (the goal), It was off of a deflection. I took time to settle it and got good placement on it. Luckily it went past the goalie. It hit the sidebar and God’s hand pushed it in I think. There’s a split second when it’s in the air and you’re not sure (it’s going in) and your heart stops, and then when it finally hits the net you’re like ‘I did it!’ and it felt great!”

Miller said, “(When we scored) I think it changed the game plan a little bit. You definitely have to be more conservative. Not taking big risks. On defense we try to stay connected. Work as a line.”

Notre Dame had 11 total shots to eight for Hillcrest, each club had five shots on goal. The Nikes had three corners to two for the Ravens. Kyle Neuschwander had the clean sheet win for Hillcrest with five saves. The Ravens remain unbeaten at 4-0 as the Nikes fall to 0-4. Hillcrest is back on the pitch Thursday when they entertain Danville.