The Johnnies scored early, just eight minutes out when Hillcrest Senior Captain and Keeper Zagen McArton charged out to retrieve a long cross from right to left by a Johnnie outside midfielder.  Miscommunications between Zajen and the Comet Defense resulted in the Johnnies recovering the ball and placing it into an open net.  The Comets came back and tied the score 24 minutes later following a long throw in by senior James Cho.  The throw in was gathered up by Kristian Maestad in the small box resulting in a quick shot, blocked by the St. Johns Keeper.  Senior Jowell Seymour was there to put back the rebound.  The Comets, obviously confident, with their accomplishment of tying the score, sat back and allowed the Johnnies to score 3 goals in four minutes just prior to the end of the half, making it a 4-1 ballgame at the break.  Forty eight minutes into the game Kristian Maestad scored on a shot, from inside the box, to the right corner of the net off an assist from Jowell Seymour.  Maestad would score again, on a free kick from outside the box at 68 minutes, ending all scoring for the game with the Comets down one goal.

The Comets had several opportunities to go ahead in the second half, out shooting the Johnnies by a margin of two to one.  After a disappointing first half and several mistakes, The Comets played an excellent “half” of soccer, creating several opportunities and holding their opponent scoreless.  The Comets saw excellent second half defense from Kristian Bormo, Senior Captain, Ethan Ness, James Cho, Cole Peterson, and Gabe Swedenburg. 

“We continue, as a team, to figure out roles and positions of our players on the field,” said Head Coach Rod Jensen.  “We made some changes in the second half and learned some things that will help us going forward.  After giving up 11 goals in our first three halves of our season, I was happy with the second half off this contest!”

The Comets now 0-2, take a break and travel to Crookston, next Thursday, for a matchup against the Pirates.