Crusaders knock Braves from Rank of the Unbeatens  

KENWOOD, OH- On a rain filled Saturday afternoon at the Gerry Faust Athletic Complex, the top ranked Crusaders downed the previously undefeated Talawanda Braves, 3-1. 

The Crusaders drew first blood in the twelfth minute.Junior, Parker Grinstead striked the ball just outside of the eighteen and off the fingertips of Braves keeper, Tommy Winkler and into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the year and a 1-0 lead. 

The Braves answered quick in the sixteenth minute on a cross by June Kelly that found the foot of Sam Robinson pushed it by Cal Collins to tie the match at 1-1. After even possession for the next twelve minutes the Crusaders striked again on a set piece as Parker Grinstead found junior, Hogan Daley who headed the ball into the back of the net to give the Crusaders a 2-1 lead in the 30th minute. The assist Grinstead marked the 15th of his career moving him into a tie for tenth all-time in Moeller history. 

The Crusaders extended the lead to 3-1 on a goal off a free kick from senior, Ben Hegge in the 36th minute. The goal was Hegge's eighth of year tying him for the GCL South lead. 

Both teams had various opportunities in the second forty minutes to score, but sailed shots wide of the net, along by great stops made by both keepers.

The Crusaders moved to 9-0-1 on the year with the victory and pushed their unbeaten streak at home to eleven. 

Up Next

The Crusaders travel to North Bend road to face the St. Xavier Bombers on Tuesday night in a crucial GCL South match. First touch is set for 7:00 PM at Ballaban Field.