By Cort Reynolds

LIMA __The visiting Ada High School boys soccer team defeated non-league rival Lima Central Catholic 5-1 on Monday night, October 6.

Bulldog juniors Carson Coney and Andrew Allen each netted two goals and passed out an assist apiece to pace the victors.

Ada scored two goals in the first half to lead 2-0 at halftime. The Bulldogs outscored the Thunderbirds 3-1 in the second half to put the game out of reach.

The Bulldog record improved to 10-4-2 with the decisive victory. Struggling Lima Central Catholic fell to 2-11-1 after the defeat.

Sophomore Lucas Henson added the other Ada goal.

“It was a great team victory,” said Bulldog second-year head coach Aaron Acheson. “We had 21 players get quality minutes, which was exciting to see, especially as we were able to give younger players a chance in the second half.

“The ball movement was outstanding in the second half,” Acheson said. “It was great to see us finish strong with three more goals.”

Conley scored the first goal on an assist from Allen with 20:37 left in the first half. 

Just 40 seconds later, Conley scored again unassisted to put Ada on top 2-0.

“Pressure led to a turnover and Carson scored,” said Acheson.

In the second half, Conley assisted Allen’s first goal with 28:41 remaining to give Ada a 3-0 bulge.

LCC cut the deficit to 3-1 when a free kick got through the keeper’s hands into the net at the 21:40 mark.

Allen tallied his second goal unassisted with 20:56 left to build the lead to 4-1.

Bulldog Lucas Henson then netted a goal with five minutes to go to provide the final margin of victory.

Ada fired a dozen shots on goal compared to five by the Thunderbirds. The LCC goalie came up with five saves.  

Bulldog keeper Jacob Rush made three saves. Ada sophomore Max Baumgartner finished the game in goal.

Ada concludes the regular season at former Northwest Conference foe Lincolnview (3-9-1) on Thursday, Oct. 9.