Boys soccer: Medina Christian wins first game on home field

MONTVILLE TWP. — Behind two goals by Nathan Androshchuk and a solid defensive effort, the Medina Christian Academy boys soccer team opened its home field with a 2-1 Lake Effect Conference victory over previously unbeaten Elyria First Baptist Christian on Tuesday. The win showed a blooming camaraderie amongst the Knights (1-1, 1-1) and was a great first step for the young program that first came together to practice just over one month ago. "It feels nice being able to play with such a great team and great players," Androshchuk said. "I love having the ability to play soccer with people I enjoy playing soccer with and a school I enjoy being in. "It was great to be able to get those two goals in. I really enjoyed that." The Sabres (3-1, 3-1), who entered the game outscoring opponents 17-1, pushed Medina Christian until the final whistle. A great diving save by Steven Androshchuk (3 saves) was needed against Gavin Fisher to preserve the victory. Nathan Androshchuk's second goal — both came off River Thomas assists — proved to be the game-winner for the Knights, who dropped their first game 3-2 to Mentor Christian. "Wow, they really fought," Medina Christian coach Dan Tousley said. "They didn't give up. Our lack of experience started to show at the end and we had a hard time closing out, but we learned. We talked a lot about overcoming the adversity, and these guys just dug in." The Knights, who play their home games behind First Baptist Church near Buehler's, did an excellent job of smothering Sabres leading scorer Fisher (6 goals, 2 assists). First Baptist's Caleb Allbaught scored his sixth goal of the season and tied Fisher with 12 points on the year near the end of the first half to tie the game 1-1. "We were playing really hard and trying to trap them," defender Noah Perko said. "We wanted to step in front of them and get the ball out as quickly as possible. I think that was the biggest part of holding them to one goal." The experience gained was impressive considering the Knights' youth and lack of experience. "It's great being a part of this team," Perko said. "I'm really proud of these guys. This is a lot of our first time playing soccer, at least on a varsity level. Honestly, to see them grow from the first game to now is great. I think we have a lot of potential." Thomas, who also found Nathan Androshchuk for a 1-0 lead just past the midway point of the first half, has a lot of confidence in where Medina Christian can go this season if it continues to progress. "The difference between our last game and today is tremendous," he said. "We've bonded and gained so much chemistry between the two matches. I'm really proud." Nathan Androshchuk also scored once in the loss to Mentor Christian, giving him a team-leading three goals. The naturally right-footed forward finished both of his goals with his left foot Tuesday. "His effort is off the charts and he's creative with how he finishes," Tousley said. "He's never out of a play." For Androshchuk, the way the team progresses is more important than any individual accomplishments. "It's all kind of like a puzzle," he said. "We're fitting the pieces in slowly, but I think we're getting pretty good at it." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com. Medina Christian Academy 2, Elyria First Baptist Christian 1 FIRST BAPTIST 1 0 — 1 MEDINA CHRISTIAN 1 1 — 2 First M — Nathan Androshchuk (River Thomas). F — Caleb Allbaught. Second M — N. Androshchuk (Thomas). Shots on goal — First Baptist 4, Medina Christian 8. Corner kicks — First Baptist 3, Medina Christian 6. Saves — Stephen Meng (F) 6, Steven Androshchuk (M) 3. Records — First Baptist (3-1, 3-1), Medina Christian (1-1, 1-1).