Syracuse — The phrase “youthful innocence” essentially means a lack of experience or knowledge about the more complex and unpleasant aspects of life.
It can lead to unbridled optimism when there should be anxiety.
That was the case Tuesday when No. 10 Weber faced No. 7 Syracuse in the second round of the boys high school 6A state soccer tournament.
The Titans defeated the Warriors in both Region 1 games earlier this year, giving them higher seeding and home-field advantage.
However, Weber scored two goals in each half and was dominant defensively all afternoon, earning a 4-1 upset victory over the Titans and advancing to the quarterfinals.
“I think we were the better team on the field in both regular season games. Some balls didn't bounce our way, but we came out confident and confident today. , I knew I could do it and earn the recognition,” Weber junior Luke Pack said. “They were a good team and it was a good battle. It was a very fun game to play against them.”
Pac found Weber (8-7) with a kick from distance in the 22nd minute, and the kick went over the head of Syracuse goaltender Austin Packer and into the net for a 1-0 lead.
“Me and center back Jack Hammons have good chemistry. I saw him looking down at the ball and I thought it was going to be a long ball,” Pack said. “I made my run and tried to stay onside…The keeper came out and I just had to pop the ball over the keeper.”
Christian Roediger scored in the 33rd minute to make it 2-0, giving the Warriors a comfortable lead at the half, but they wanted more.
“We talked about how important the first 10 minutes of the second half were, so we went all out and got it done. We brought in two more guys and decided the game,” Pack said.
Rhett Hodge may have missed the final 10 minutes, but his goal in the 53rd minute gave Weber a 3-0 lead.
Pac then scored his second goal just 1 minute and 40 seconds later to end the Warrior attack.
“I was in the box. It was a bit of a hassle. The ball fell to me and I was able to beat it. There was only one player to deal with…I hit it with my right foot. I hit it and it went into the bottom corner,” Pack said. “We had a good spurt of momentum. That's football. Ending momentum and chances.”
Senior captain Connor Gardenhour, Garrett Graves and Pac assisted Weber.
Syracuse (8-7) only scored on a penalty kick by Boston Chaney midway through the second half — in fact, it was the only shot on goal at this point in the game — before Weber's goalie, Jack -Wade had a few shots and no goals for the remaining 20 minutes. I will use it.
“We talked a lot before the game about how we have to stick together on the last line. We're communicating well at the moment,” Wade said. “We all know this is a big game going into the playoffs. We wanted to beat them. We lost to them twice. I wanted to show who I am.”
Weber continues its trip Thursday with No. 2 American Fork (13-2) as the Caveman needed a shootout to get past No. 15 Corner Canyon.
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