LINESVILLE — Bradford’s boys soccer team rode a similar philosophy to its second consecutive win to start the season Wednesday against Conneaut.
Much like their season opening victory against Coudersport, the Owls won 3-0 with Ben Jordan scoring a pair of goals.
This game was Bradford’s Region 4 opener and coach Wes Lohrman was pleased with his team’s effort.
“We played a complete game,” he said. “We were challenged and were able to step up.”
Jordan’s goals came within 30 seconds of each other early in the second half, as the Owls were thwarted early on by Conneaut keeper Brandon Halyleet.
“He made a couple of great saves in the first half,” Lohrman said. “It took us a little big longer to feel them out. We didn’t score in the first half, but we forced their keeper to make nine saves and had seven corners.”
It didn’t take Jordan long, however, as he scored in the 46th minute and then again to give Bradford a 2-0 advantage.
“Right after he got that first goal, he found his happy spot and put another one in,” noted Lohrman.
Eric DeGolier and Sawyer Packard assisted on Jordan’s goals, while John Obermeyer set up Packard for the Owls’ third score in the 70th minute on a set piece.
“That was a great set piece and a great shot from Sawyer,” Lohrman said.
Defensively, Cody Hennard had to make just a pair of saves thanks to the Owls’ defense, particularly Ben Bean.
“Our entire defense played outstanding tonight,” Lohrman said. “Ben stood out for me. He was repeatedly in the right spots, winning balls and distributing well.”
It was also an important game for Bradford in terms of the Region, which appears to be stronger this season with the additions of Conneaut and Meadville.
“Obviously we have a bigger region and it was good to start off the right way,” Lohrman said.
Bradford’s JV team also won by a score of 1-0, courtesy of a Curtis Rodgers goal. Jack Kellam had three saves in net.
The Owls are back in action Friday at the Olean, N.Y., Tournament, playing the host school at 3:30 p.m. Jamestown and Hornell square off in the other first-round game.