Hamilton boys soccer gains Premier Region lead

January 27, 2022 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Chandler keeper Simon Turner (orange jersey) deflects, but doesn't prevent free kick from finding the net in 4-1 loss to Hamilton. (Azpreps365 photo)

Three weeks ago Hamilton's boys soccer team was in the midst of a tough stretch. Three power-ranking games - one late December and two in early January - left the Huskies 1-2-1 in such games.

Everything has gone right since. #15 Hamilton reeled off its fifth consecutive victory on Thursday night, rolling into Chandler's Austin Field and knocking off the seventh-ranked Wolves, 4-1, in a 6A Premier Region contest.

Hamilton ran its overall record to 7-3-2. The Huskies are 6-2-1 in power-ranking matches and 2-0 in region. Chandler, which won its first seven power-ranking games, fell to 10-4 overall and suffered its second loss of the week. The Wolves are 7-2 prg, 0-1 region.

It was a comfortable triumph for Hamilton. The Huskies scored twice in the first half in building a 2-0 lead. The goals were scored four minutes apart in the latter stages of the half. Striker Luke Schaefer knocked home the first one in the 28th minute. He stole the ball in Chandler's box and quickly finished. The second goal was a product of a foul on Chandler keeper Simon Turner. It afforded Hamilton a penalty kick and striker Vince Acosta tallied for the Huskies.

Acosta and Schaefer teamed up for Hamilton's third goal in the 53rd minute. Schaefer with the assist and Acosta with his second goal and 17th of the season. Schaefer is right next to Acosta in goals with 16.

Chandler didn't pack it in, keeping hope alive with its first goal in the 55th minute. Willy Mena found the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

Hamilton added its final goal in the 65th minute. Midfielder Xavier Lawmaster converted a free kick from about 45 yards out that Turner slightly deflected, but not enough.

Hamilton's next match is Wednesday Feb. 2, non-region at home vs. Mountain Pointe. Chandler plays again Monday Jan. 31 with a region road game vs. Brophy.