By Fred Kroner
After a scoreless first half on Saturday (Sept.23), the Oakwood/Salt Fork soccer team erupted for five second-half goals and turned back visiting St. Joseph-Ogden 5-1.
Macen Phillips and Ethan Merritt played the starring roles offensively. Phillips posted three assists and scored one goal. Merritt netted two goals and had one assist.
Brody Taflinger also scored twice for the Comets. Derek Drew registered the team’s other assist.
Saul Carrillo recorded five saves.
SJ-O held a 12-10 edge in total shot attempts.
On Thursday (Sept. 21), Merritt’s fourth hat trick of the season propelled the Comets past visiting Hoopeston Area, 5-0.
Phillips notched the team’s other two goals and also assisted on two other scores.
The team’s other assists were by Aidan O’Brien, Taflinger and Cooper McRae.
The Comets led, 3-0, at intermission. Merritt hit two first-half goals.
Carrillo produced four saves.
Oakwood/Salt Fork held an 18-6 edge in total shots.
The Comets (10-6-1) return to action on Tuesday (Sept. 26) at Iroquois West.
