Manchester freshman scores three goals against Whitko
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Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
NORTH MANCHESTER – Colin McNeeley didn’t score a goal during the first 11 games of the season. In Thursday’s Three Rivers Conference clash with the visiting Whitko Wildcats, the Manchester freshman managed to score three. McNeeley’s breakout performance at Good Fields led the Squires to a 3-0 win in high school boys soccer action. Manchester is now 5-4-3 on the season, while Whitko is 1-7-2. “Those were his first three goals of the season,” Manchester coach Dave McKee said of McNeeley. “It’s hard to score a high school goal. He’s had a couple opportunities to score, and I told him he when he gets the first one they’ll come in droves.” McNeeley scored one goal in the first 40-minute half and two in the second. Junior Andrew Hill and freshman Lane Staley were credited with assists. “Manchester is a good team,” said Whitko coach Jason Ehrman. “They’re an experienced team.” The Wildcats, on the other hand, are in just their second season of IHSAA-sanctioned competition. “I felt like there were parts of the game where we put together four or five passes, especially in the first half,” said Ehrman. “From where we were to where we are, we’ve come a long way. I’m proud of them. This is a group of kids with a lot of heart.” For the Squires, it was their first win in nearly two weeks. McKee called it a much-needed win. “We’re really only playing two seniors,” said McKee. “At one point, we had four or five freshman on the field. We’re a young team.” The Squires will be in action again Tuesday when they host Lakeland Christian Academy. Whitko hosts North Miami Saturday at noon.
MANCHESTER 3, WHITKO 0 (First Half) M – Colin McNeeley (Second Half) M – McNeeley M – McNeeley Assists – Andrew Hill, Lane Staley Records: Manchester 5-4-3, Whitko 1-7-2
