MLCA Lions lose lead as Crusaders roll

Riverside Christian 2, MLCA 1

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake Christian Academy (MLCA) could not hold a 1-0 halftime lead as the Crusaders from Riverside Christian scored two second-half goals to defeat the Lions 2-1.

The loss sent MLCA to 4-1 in conference play and 5-4 overall.

Moses Lake Christian's Joe Timofeyev gave the Lions the lead with a goal in the 33rd minute of the first half.

Riverside Christian kicked the ball out of bounds at the 30-yard line and Jonny Roberts of MLCA threw the ball in.

Roberts grabbed the ball with both hands and ran towards the sideline. As he approached the line he placed the ball on the ground and flipped.

With both feet landing on the ground, Roberts released the ball, throwing it across the field.

Timofeyev fielded the throw and one-touched into the back of the Riverside Christian net and a 1-0 advantage.

After seven minutes, both sides went into the Lions Field locker room with the Lions maintaining the one-goal advantage.

With four minutes gone in the second half, Riverside Christian scored an unassisted goal to tie the game at 1-1.

The Lions could not maintain the momentum from the first half as Riverside Christian dominated the second half, MLCA head coach Scott McCornack said.

"We just ran out of steam," he said. "The were energized. They had the momentum in the second half."

Just five minutes later, in the game's 49th minute, Riverside Christian's Jeremy Pinch added another Crusaders goal as they took the lead and the match 2-1 from the Lions.

MLCA scored one goal on five shots, while Riverside Christian score two goals on 15 attempts.

The Lions hustled and competed the entire match, McCornack said.

"I felt like they left it all on the field," he said.

Following the game, McCornack said he was grateful to be a part of such an exciting contest.

"It was a great game," he said. "In my opinion, that was a soccer game. It was intense, it was physical. Both sides displayed skill and finesse. I am honored to be a part of it."

The Lions will be ready when they face the Crusaders again on Oct. 17 in Yakima.

"We have a great rivalry with them," McCornack said. "We have split with them so far this season. We beat them before in Yakima and they beat us at home tonight."

MLCA has battled team-chemistry issues this season and McCornack was proud to see his team play united Tuesday night.

"It just came together," he said. "That is more important than a win or a loss."

The Lions host the Riverside Christian Crusaders again on Oct. 28 at Lions Field in Moses Lake.