Let's get physical
KARNS CITY — Flying across the turf at Diehl Stadium isn't something Spenser Myers wants to happen often.
But the junior midfielder knows the Karns City boys soccer team occasionally needs to be knocked off its feet.
Playing a physical Hickory team Monday night, the Gremlins scored twice in the final 21 minutes to earn a 2-1 non-conference win.
Myers appeared to have a breakaway with 22 minutes, 21 seconds remaining when Hickory defender Adam Lubarski brought him down with a hard challenge that drew a yellow card.
“We are a physical team, but it was nice to play another physical team to prepare us for down the road,” Myers said.
The Hornets (1-3) were whistled for 27 fouls, including four yellow cards.
Hickory's play wasn't dirty, just aggressive.
“It's a whole different type of play,” Gremlins coach Jim Grenninger said. “In District 9, we are the most physical team. It's the type of game we need, there's no one else in District 9 that plays like this.”
Karns City — which won its first three games by a combined score of 23-2 — fell behind for the first time this season when Hornets forward Parker Redmond scored three minutes in.
That spurred a change in attitude.
“We have to know that we always have to win now,” junior forward Noah Pollock said. “We have to make ourselves know we have to win this game We're trying to get to 16-0. You can't get to 16 without four.”
The Hornets pressed early, but the Gremlins (4-0) started to dominate possession by the end of the first half.
Karns City ended up having 12 shots on goal, compared with Hickory's four.
“For the most part, we've moved the ball well,” Hornets coach Mike Pascarella said. “We've struggled to finish for the past few years with the same group. It's going to be our Achilles' heel all year.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Brandon Beader provided Hickory with strength. He made 10 saves, including sliding in to block a shot from Jace Ebbit on a long run in the first half.
Pollock, who rang a shot off the crossbar with 19:15 left in the half, said the Gremlins had to continue to play physical.
“You have to use your shoulders and be smart about the balls you go in for or else you will pay for it,” Pollock said. “Some of the challenges were rough, but we were able to keep it clean for the rest of the game.”
Pollock evened the game in the 61st minute when he pushed a cross from Myers into the net.
Myers completed the comeback three minutes later, getting in on net and sliding a shot past Beader.
“It brings us back to reality that there are better teams with us,” Myers said. “We can stick with anyone in District 9 and Single-A.”
