The Blake Boys Soccer team continued its strong play by racking up three more wins, all at home, over the last six days pushing their record to 5-0-1 overall and 2-0-1 in the IMAC.
The Bears played host to Mounds Park Academy (MPA) last Thursday in the home opener. It was also Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night where 20 of Blake's Faculty and Staff were honored. The Bears put on a show as they defeated MPA by a score of 5-0. Blake took a 2-0 lead into halftime on goals by junior Luke Melin and senior Colin McConkey. McConkey assisted on Melin's tally and sophomore Howard Henderson was credited with the helper on McConkey's goal. MPA was able to hold the Bears at bay for most of the second half, before Blake exploded for three late goals. Senior Ethan Roe broke the Bears out of their funk with a goal assisted by junior Ben Lee. Melin added his second goal of the night, this time on a penalty kick, and senior Charlie Ankeny buried the fifth goal of the game. The combination of junior Will Taylor and sophomore James Ly had the shutout.
The Bears played host to section opponent Fridley in their second of three straight at home on Saturday afternoon. In a very competitive and hard-fought contest, the Bears prevailed winning the game 3-1. Junior Haluk Ercan-Fang got the Bears on the board in the first minute on a great feed by McConkey. Ethan Roe also scored in the first half to give Blake a 2-0 halftime lead. Blake and Fridley exchanged penalty kick goals in the second half with the Bears' coming first, again by Melin. Taylor was in goal for the victory.
Last night, the Bears were awarded with their third victory in as many home games as they defeated Minnehaha Academy. The night was extra special as Blake paid tribute to Minnehaha Academy Assistant Coach, Bryan Duffey, who was severely injured in the tragic accident at the school in August. Both the Bears and the Redhawks wore t-shirts that read, "We are BRYAN" on the front with each of the school logos as well.
Blake got on the board early and often racing to a 6-0 lead before the Redhawks scored two goals late in the second half. Blake goals were scored by E. Roe, Melin (assisted by Henderson), freshman Benji Pomonis, Ercan-Fang, Melin (assisted by Ercan-Fang), and sophomore Will Mortenson (assisted by Henderson). The Redhawks got one back on a penalty kick and scored their second late in the game to make the final 6-2.
The Bears go on the road to play IMAC competitor St. Paul Academy Thursday, September 14 at 4:30pm.
