Everyone got good time on the field in the Maplewood Richmond Heights soccer opener at home against Tower Grove Christian, coach Ryan Robertson said.
The Blue Devils went up 4-0 in the first half, with goals from Zach Barton, Chris Tronicek and two from Isaac Pearson. When the second period began MRH fielded a whole new side, giving the younger players some game experience. They allowed two goals, and with about 15 minutes left, the first-stringers started loosening up, but they never got in.
Robertson said just because someone messes up doesn’t mean you pull the plug on them.
“This is a school event,” he said. “It’s a learning experience — what happens when we’re up against the wall? That was a big moment right there for the younger guys, to have that. I’m proud that they worked through it, because they could have crumbled and they didn’t, so that’s a good thing.”
They held on, the more experienced players stayed on the sideline, and MRH won 4-2.
A loud crowd in the stands probably help with the win. Its the first chance fans have had to use the stands this year, since MRH decided not to have a football team this year. Robinson said he’s not used to it.
“That’s a very big crowd for the first day, so you would hope that it keeps growing, that’s awesome. Having been here for so long, those crowds don’t come around that often.”
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