IMS soccer team starts season with loss to Solon

Scheduled to open the 2017 season at home against No. 10 ranked Solon, cool temperatures and two-plus days of rain forced a decision to either move the game to Solon and their artificial turf field or cancel the match.

Playing, or practicing for only the third time on a full field this season, IMS was a bit ragged in the opening minutes but soon settled down creating enough offensive pressure to earn three corner kicks in the opening part of play.

Solon broke through the IMS defense after a misplayed clearance allowed a free run at goal with 25 minutes showing on the clock.

IMS responded as Cole Ours, Jacob Boller, and Nick Yutzy created some offensive thrusts but could not get a clear shot on goal.

The IMS back line of Juan Andino, Blake Bontrager, Reggie Borntrager and Mitchell Schmieder held off Solon until late in the first half with 8:30 on the clock.

In the second half the majority of play was in the middle of the field as both teams? defenses solidified.

In the second half Cole Yoder moved from goal to the back line where he helped anchor the defense.

With 3 minutes left in the game, Solon picked up their final goal for the 3-0 win.

IMS has some time off before returning to action, traveling to Holy Trinity, April 11.

In JV action IMS came up on the short end of the 0-3 score.

Isaac Miller held Solon scoreless till nearly the end of the first half when the wind curled a crossing ball into the goal just over his hands.