Fresh off Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Legacy Christian Academy on goals by Captains Evan Atkinson and Charlie Tourek, the Eagles of New Life Academy squared off against the PACT Charter School Panthers at Bielenberg. The game was played under a heat advisory with match temperatures at 90 degrees and the heat indexes over 100. The humid air was moved about by a steady 15 mph breeze. Despite the conditions, the Eagles overpowered their opponents in a commanding 6-0 win.
6 minutes into the first half, NLA forged into the lead on a goal by striker Mark Rygh. It was soon followed by a strike from Evan Atkinson. When Charlie Tourek dribbled through multiple defenders to blow a close range shot past the Panther keeper at the 15 minute mark, the Eagles had a 3-0 lead. Following the first half water break, the Eagles added to their advantage on scores by Cameron Kor and Nate Mueller. At the whistle signaling the conclusion of the first half of play, NLA had an insurmountable 5-0 lead.
Coach Rupp saw this game as a great chance to give his bench players an opportunity to gain experience. He freely substituted and rested many of his starters with an eye to the game with sectional opponent Harding tomorrow morning. The Eagles generated plenty of scoring chances but couldn’t find the back of the net until Brian Donahoo struck pay dirt at the 69 minute mark to increase the home squad’s lead to 6-0 which proved to be the final measure of victory. Keepers Zach Thor and Noah Burroughs combined for the shut out and weren’t really tested. The entire team gave a good account of themselves in a strong performance under difficult playing conditions. Go Eagles!
Note: Sports articles contributed by volunteers