Even despite some blustery cold at Ely Stadium for the Lorain County Soccer All-Star games Nov. 18, the sunlight kept spirits bright.
It didn’t matter whether the senior boys tied, 5-5, and saw an impromptu penalty kick shootout give the away side a win.
For the seniors and the coaches, this all-star game was one last bit of fun representing the schools in their soccer kits. Boys coaches George Panagiotou of North Ridgeville and Pete Klepek of Avon Lake had some fun back-and-forth banter, with the former humorously acting up to the laughter of many.
More importantly, it was the reflection of the hard work for the many young men put in for years to be playing in their respective games.
“It’s been so fun getting to grow with my guys and getting the opportunity to play,” said Keystone’s Zander Yoho, the county’s Division II player of the year. “I’m really excited to play with all of the local teams. It’s the best of the best coming together to all play together. It’s (a) community, and we’re all here to play.”
“It means so much. I’ve had a fun four years,” Amherst’s Landon Plumb added, notching a score and an assist while playing with friends and teammates one final time. “We’ve played a lot together, and we’ve played since we were really young. It’s amazing how we can come back out here one last time with our jersey on.”
For Open Door’s Job Pruitt, who scored the second goal of the game for the home side, he knows it means a lot for the players there on the pitch.
“Being seniors and (everything’s) coming to an end, we’ve all put in so much work,” Pruitt noted, adding. “Got to give a lot of credit to the coaches being here with us, and it’s a great blessing to be able to continue to play and have a great season.”
Prior to scoring an equalizer in the 21st minute, Wellington’s Henry Abram was playfully accosted by Panagiotou for not having shin guards with him, requiring a creative solution after the opening 10 minutes of play.
“I left them at home, man,” Abram said as he cracked a smile. “I thought I could play without them, but I didn’t, but it still worked out good.”
Among the first-half heroes for the away side was Oberlin’s Naim Brandt, scoring a goal and contributing an assist. It’s a love for the game for him and the other seniors being able to take the pitch together.
“It’s really nice to play with people who have just as much passion for the game as you do and to play with people who have just as much love,” Brandt said with a grin and nod. “There are some excellent players here today. … It’s just really nice – it’s relieving – to be able to play again and put on your boots in the morning.”
If there was an MVP in the boys game, it was Vermilion All-Ohioan Alex Werth with his hat trick.
“I like scoring goals,” Werth said. “Every time I get a chance, I’m always going to try and get one.”
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