Boys Soccer Blanks Chagrin Falls, Prepares For Playoffs

Editor's Note: Thanks to soccer parent Steve Rothenberg for the story and pictures.

The Solon boys’ soccer team used their final regular season game as a great tune up to the playoffs as they defeated Chagrin Falls 4-0.

Chagrin had to know the game was not going to go their way when it started raining soon after the varsity game started and turned into a heavy downpour, just the kind of game the speedy Comets like on their home turf.

Less than ten minutes into the game, a free kick delivered by Scotty Welker found Ryan Adkins in front of the net to give Solon the early lead.

With just under 11 minutes left in the half, Scotty Welker dribbled the ball to about 25 yards from goal, hit a low laser shot just past the outstretched arms of the Chagrin goalie, and nicked it of the far post in for the score. Less than 30 seconds later after the kickoff and a quick Solon steal of the ball, Johnny King found the net with a goal of his own.

In the second half, Solon finished off the scoring when Scotty Welker completed his “hat trick” by heading a ball played into the box by Ryan Adkins (returning the earlier favor) and past the Chagrin goalie to complete the win.

With goalie Jacob Altstadt recording another shutout, the defense led by Foster King, Alec Krienen, Ryan Adkins, Ardi Khalafi, and subs Michael Rothenberg and Matt Schneider kept Chagrin shots on goal to an extreme minimum.

The midfielders with Max Sattele, Orlando Cumberlander, Scotty Welker, and Ethan Dunn kept pressure on Chagrin all night with great runs on the ball and delivering to the forwards.

In the earlier game, Solon JV also won 5-0. Scoring for the Comets were two goals by Max Shulman, two goals by Noah Burko, and a goal by Brandon Popper.

The Comet varsity completed their regular season with a record of 9-3-4 and a two game win streak. They earned the fourth seed in their bracket, and host their opening game Saturday October 20 at Stewart Field.

They will play the winner of the Kent Rosevelt vs. Nordonia game. Good luck to the Comets in their playoffs, and stay tuned for the game time and opponent.