By Cort Reynolds

ADA – The unbeaten Ada High School boys soccer team shut out visiting New Knoxville 3-0 in a non-league match Monday evening at War Memorial Stadium.

Ada improved to 3-0 with the victory.

Senior Andrew Allen scored two goals, and Camden McKean tallied a goal.

“Both teams played a very competitive first half – in the second half our guys really picked up the intensity,” said Bulldog head coach Aaron Acheson. 

“We were able to keep the ball more, play forward and create more attacking opportunities,” he noted. “We also pressured them into some turnovers deep in their defending third, which allowed us to regain possession in dangerous areas.”

McKean scored first to put Ada ahead, 1-0. 

“Carson Conley played a great back heel ball across the field to Camden, who did a great job taking his time and placing his shot in the back of the net to get us going,” Acheson recalled.

Senior ace Allen netted the second goal to double the Bulldog lead. 

“Tim Chrissobolis then played a great ball into the path of Andrew Allen,” said the coach. “Andrew did a good job controlling the ball, beating a couple defenders and placing his shot into the right corner of the net to make it 2-0.”

The strong punting of keeper Jacob Rush played a role in setting up the third and final Ada goal by Allen. 

“Jacob had a great punt that carried about 70 yards,” said Acheson. “Carson tracked the ball down and took a couple of touches before his shot went off the keeper’s hands. Andrew was trailing the play and just inside the 18, he was able to intercept a defender’s pass, take a touch and finish to make it 3-0.”

Rush contributed eight saves to go with his solid goal kicks.

“Jacob was excellent in goal for us with eight saves,” said Acheson. “His ability to punt the ball 70 yards and put us on the attack really changed the game for us. 

“Overall, I was proud of how our guys responded in the second half and increased their intensity to finish strong,” he added.

Ada plays at fellow unbeaten St. Marys (3-0) Thursday, then hosts Hardin County rival Kenton (1-1) on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.