By Cort Reynolds

KALIDA__ The visiting Ada High School boys soccer team lost 3-1 to Kalida in a non-league makeup match on Tuesday, September 30.

The Bulldog boys record fell to 8-4-2 with the defeat. Kalida improved to 8-2-4 after the victory.

The game was added to the schedule to replace the vacated Allen East contest from early in the season.

“Kalida did a great job of attacking through the wide channels, consistently putting pressure on our outside backs with one v. one duels,” said Ada second-year head coach Aaron Acheson. 

“Their wings were particularly effective, using both speed and skill to create dangerous crosses for runners in front of the goal,” he continued. “We struggled to recover quickly on their fast counters, which contributed to the goals we conceded.”

The Wildcats scored two goals in the first half to build a 2-0 lead at intermission.

Bulldog senior Joshua Thaxton tallied the lone Ada goal on an assist by junior Carson Conley to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 33 minutes left to play.

But the Wildcats netted a big insurance goal with 13 minutes remaining to earn some breathing room and provide the final margin.

“In the second half we made a few tactical adjustments and began to exploit the wide spaces more effectively,” Acheson said. “This led to a brilliant cross from Carson to Joshua for a goal.

“Overall, we played much better in the second half,” said the coach.

Cody Recker, Logan Kerner and Jax Horstman tallied one goal apiece for Kalida. Kerner added an assist.

Ada put four shots on goal compared to 15 by the Wildcats. Bulldog junior keeper Jacob Rush made 12 saves in goal. Kalida goalie Parker Vorst was credited with three stops.

Kalida earned six corner kicks compared to four by Ada.

The Bulldogs (2-2 NCOSA) host league foe Cory-Rawson (2-12, 0-4 NCOSA) on Thursday, October 2.

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