Lions 'slosh' their way to soccer win
March 14, 2009

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

COMMERCE -- On a very cold and wet Friday that caused cancellations or postponements of all other sporting events in Hunt County, the Greenville Lions sloshed their way to a 3-0 soccer victory over Commerce.

The players braved conditions that included temperatures in the 30s, wind gusts up to 22 mph, rain and standing water ranging from a couple of inches on the Tigers’ field to ankle deep along the sidelines.

It was a heck of a way for the Tigers to be celebrate senior day. Six seniors and their parents waded through the water for their appearance in a brief pre-game ceremony. Commerce seniors include Jose Mojica, Jared Turner, Joey Farquar, RaeVaughn Cook, Jake McCarty and Devin Felts.

Once the game started players had trouble staying on their feet, slipping, sliding, splashing and tumbling. Even one of the officials slipped and slid for several feet in the water along the sidelines.

Greenville had to win this one to stay in at least a tie with Sulphur Springs for first place in District 20-4A, pending the results of the Wildcats’ game against North Lamar.

Greenville completed 20-4A play with an 8-1-1 record and will advance to the playoffs.

Commerce finished at 0-7-3 in district including two losses to the Lions. Greenville also won 5-0 in Greenville on Feb. 24.

Dagin Douglas, a former Commerce student, scored Greenville’s first goal with 31:16 left in the first half. Douglas booted in a deflected shot.

Ryan Wilhelm put Greenville up 2-0 before halftime when he headed in a shot over the reach of Commerce goalkeeper Devin Felts, who leaped in the air to challenge Greenville’s junior midfielder.

Grant Boshart capped scoring for the Lions with 22:46 remaining when the booted in a deflected shot.

Felts stayed busy, turning away several promising scoring opportunities for the Lions. He saved a header by Wilhelm that was headed into the goal and also snagged a hard shot by Chris Gutierrez. Gutierrez nearly missed on another try that struck the crossbar.

Greenville took 20 shots including 12 on goal.

Greenville goalkeeper Matt Mouer wound up with two saves.

The Lions have earned a first-round bye for the playoffs.