It took less than a minute for Ryle to show its strength. Highlands had no answer for the Raiders the rest of the way.
Ryle scored three first-half goals and cruised to a 4-0 victory over Highlands on Tuesday at Ryle in the boys’ 9th Region soccer tournament quarterfinals.
The senior-led Raiders controlled possession, consistently pressured the Bluebirds’ defense and limited Highlands to just three shots, with only one on target. Ryle finished with 11 shots, nine on goal.
“One thing with having a lot of seniors is they tend to be a little calmer and less nervous going into games,” Raiders coach Stephen Collins said. “We’ve kind of kept some composure and been able to maintain that composure in games.”
Ryle’s pressure paid off early. After a Highlands scoring opportunity was denied by a Raiders defender following a misplay by goalkeeper Andrew Stropko, Ryle quickly countered. Preston Scott found a seam in the Bluebirds’ defense and finished for a 1-0 lead.
“Getting that goal early, it sets the tempo for the rest of the game,” Scott said.
Scott helped double the lead in the 28th minute, sending a cross to Parker Wilson, who finished to make it 2-0.
“I saw him (Wilson) running. He’s really fast,” Scott said. “I played him near first time early, and he just put it in.”
Highlands, already without starting goalkeeper Phineas Weiss, fell further behind after a misplayed pass by backup Willem Foubert. Sean Williams pounced on the ball and fired from the edge of the box to give Ryle a 3-0 advantage.
Foubert was making his first appearance in goal this season, with fellow backup Eli Pearson also sidelined by an injury.
“We would love to have the option of having Phineas fit tonight, but all kudos to Willem, who stepped up in the goal today,” Highlands coach Suli Kayed said. “I don’t think any goals directly blamed towards him or anything. So I appreciate him. I thought he did a great job tonight.”
Highlands came out with more energy in the second half, but Ryle quickly regained control. Chase McCarty capped the scoring with a volley off a pass from Cooper Neace.
Collins said Ryle targeted the outside of Highlands’ back line with its speed on the wings while using a high press to force turnovers. The approach helped create both the first and third goals.
The Raiders now advance to the semifinals, where they will face Beechwood, which upset Dixie Heights 1-0. Ryle defeated Beechwood 4-2 in the regular season on Aug. 25.
“One game at a time,” Collins said. “You overlook anybody in this region and you’re going to get beat, so that’s been our motto all season long.”
Highlands finishes the season 10-3-4 after entering the postseason with just one regular-season loss. The Bluebirds fell to Newport Central Catholic in the district championship before Tuesday’s loss ended their season.
With a young roster, Kayed hopes the experience will help Highlands take another step forward next year.
“I asked the guys after the game, and we have four guys that played more than 10 varsity games prior to this year,” Kayed said. “So, we’re hoping that we are that team (Ryle) next year. But Ryle’s going to be a tough team to beat for anybody. Talent everywhere on the field.”
RAIDERS 4, BLUEBIRDS 0
HIGHLANDS — 0-0 — 0
RYLE — 3-1 — 4
Game Stats
Goals: (R) Scott (1′), Wilson (’28), Williams (34′), McCarthy (71′)
Assists: (R) Scott (28′), Neace (71′)
Shots (On Goal): Highlands 3 (1), Ryle 11 (9)
Saves: Highlands 5 (Foubert), Ryle 1 (Stropko)
Corner Kicks: Highlands 3, Ryle 5
Fouls: Highlands 9, Ryle 7
Offsides: Highlands 0, Ryle 2
Records: Highlands 10-3-4, Ryle 18-3-1
