EASTLAKE–The Kenston Bombers picked up a key 4-0 conference win over host North at Nick Carter Stadium on Tuesday.
With the win, the Bombers improved to 7-4 overall and 3-0 in the WRC while the Rangers dropped to 7-5-1, 1-1-1. Kenston is now the lone undefeated team in league play.
“We knew this game was going to be tough,” said Kenston head coach Michael Coney. “North won the conference last year. They have some size up top and they’re quick in the midfield.”
After the two teams went scoreless for the beginning portion of the first half, it would be Kenston that would break the 0-0 tie when freshman midfielder Ryan Flynn found the back of the net.
“The first half was obviously kind of a slugfest,” Coney said. “That first goal is really important for us to set the tone. Without that first goal from Ryan, it might’ve been a tougher second half.”
The rest of the half was a defensive battle as the two teams would go scoreless. This would change around the 20-minute mark of the second half when Kenston would tack on another goal on the board, this time courtesy of Jack Purcell.
The Bombers would continue to pour it on through the remainder of the game. With about 15 minutes remaining, Andrew DiBernardo would notch a third Kenston goal.
DiBernardo struck again five minutes later.
The goal put Kenston up 4-0, a lead that proved insurmountable with a little over 10 minutes left to play.
“It’s kind of hard when one of your top players in Grady Flynn goes down, especially so early in the game,” Coney said. “But the boys didn’t hesitate. The key up top was the movement of the ball. They are very unselfish and created opportunities for each other instead of worrying about who scored.”
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Bombers positioned themselves in the conference driver seat. With two WRC matchups left on the schedule, the Bombers will look to lock up the conference title.
“It feels great because we know we control our own destiny,” Coney said. “We also know that we have two really tough conference games to finish with, so we know the job’s not done yet.”
The Bombers will next take to the pitch on Thursday when they host Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. As for North, the action will continue on Saturday when they square-off with Solon at home.
