By Cort Reynolds

ADA__The Ada High School boys soccer team defeated visiting Riverdale 4-1 in a North Central Ohio Soccer Association match at War Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, September 10.

Quick and aggressive Ada junior Andrew Allen pumped in all four goals to pace the Bulldogs to victory.

The victory upped the Bulldog season record to 5-2-1 overall and 1-1 in NCOSA play. Ada also gained a small measure of revenge vs. the Falcons after losing two close games to Riverdale last season, including a 3-2 district semifinal defeat.

The Falcons fell to 2-5 overall and 0-2 in NCOSA action with the defeat. 

“Tonight was a great step forward for the team,” said Ada head coach Aaron Acheson. “We faced an opponent who had beaten us twice last year – both games by just one goal – and the boys came out and earned a 4-1 win.

“I felt the boys were very deserving of the win,” he continued. “We moved the ball better as the game went on, stayed composed, and took control in key moments.

“Wyatt Fisher and Jacob Henson were making great runs to support the attack,” he added.

Neither team scored for the first 34 minutes, followed by a flurry of action. Allen took a pass from Carson Conley, dribbled past the Riverdale keeper and scored with 5:51 left in the half.

Just 10 seconds later, Falcon Cameron Shook then got behind the Bulldog defense and collided with keeper Jacob Rush to earn a penalty kick, which he converted to knot the score 1-1 at the 5:41 mark.

Then just 30 seconds after it was tied up, Allen untied it for good with another goal off another assist from junior classmate Conley to make it 2-1 at the half.

Allen then poured in two more goals in the second half to put the Falcons away. 

“Andrew was clinical in front of the goal, seizing his opportunities and finishing all four of our goals,” recalled Acheson.

His third goal came off a Tim Chrissobolis feed with 31:40 remaining to stretch the lead to 3-1.

Allen made it four scores by netting an unassisted goal off a Riverdale turnover with 27:11 left to play.

Ada put 14 shots on goal compared to seven by the Falcons 

“We assisted on three of the four goals, showing growth in team play and communication,” Acheson said. 

“I am really proud of our defense,” he noted. “Defense is a strength of our team. The back four and midfielders really worked well together. Connor McKean was very aggressive and won his team a lot of balls. His field vision is improving with each game.”

Bulldog keeper Rush made six saves in goal.

“Jacob Rush took charge, made good reads on the ball and got off his line quickly,” the coach offered. “I am proud of him and how he played in the goal. 

“Carson was dominant up top, constantly pressing and making great runs to open up space for Andrew, and stretch the Riverdale back line,” Acheson observed. 

“Overall, it was a strong, well-rounded team performance and a well-earned win,” he added.

Ada plays host to Old Fort Saturday, Sept. 13 at noon in the back end of a girls/boys varsity twinbill.