Edward P. Dittmer (Hershey, PA)
Despite giving up the opening goal to Indiana's Mark Allen in the 6th minute, the Wildcats roared back to hand Indiana a 4-2 loss thanks to two goals from Jamel Mitchell. In addition, Hershey picked up a goal from Greg Simmonds, who now has 12 goals to tie him with Patrick Beech for second in the A-league, and from Mike Butler, who scored his first goal since arriving from Pittsburgh.
The Wildcats came out very aggressively in the match and nearly took the lead when Tim Leonard's 4th minute blast clipped the outstretched hand of Chuck Browder and then hit the post. But Hershey would not have had nearly as many chances had it not been for the generosity of the Indiana midfield and defense. If Hershey could finish off the multitude of Indiana gifts, then it would be an easy night for the Wildcats.
Unfortunately, Indiana had other ideas about who would do the finishing. Justin Pratt found an opening in the defense and crossed in towards Mark Allen. Allen headed the ball hard past the diving Mike O'Connor and gave Indiana the 1-0 lead.
Hershey, however, continued to put together attacks on the Indiana goal. But they were their own worst enemies early on. The lack of patient attacking created fewer quality chances on net. Having the clear advantage in speed did not mean that the Wildcats should spend the night lofting long balls onto runs by Colasante and Mitchell.
The woodwork would again deny Hershey in the 18th as Colasante, off some great work by Mitchell, left-footed his shot right off the crossbar.
The fans would not have to wait long for an equalizer, however, as Simmonds slotted a pass from Steve Klein past Chuck Browder in the 26th. The real credit on the goal however must go to Klein, who made a swerving, weaving run from the center of the field and simply let Simmonds have the finish.
However, Jamel Mitchell would not be outdone tonight. After some good work in the box, Simmonds sent a low cross over to Mitchell who sent the ball past Browder with a brilliant scissors kick in the 30th minute. Even the visitors had to know that it would be a long night with Hersheys front men on target.
Indiana tried in vain to equalize before the half but their only chance came in the 45th as Mark Allen found himself alone with keeper Mike O'Connor. But as the pass came in, Allen pounded O'Connor, rather than the ball and received a booking for his trouble.
In the second half, the Wildcats saw no reason to let up and inserted three substitutes who would help in the search for the elusive bonus point. And it would again be Mitchell, with a little help from his friend, Greg Simmonds, who would provide that bonus point. A 53rd minute goal gave Hershey a 3-1 lead and put Mitchell into double figures in goals.
Hershey made liberal use of their reserves on Saturday once the game seemed to be in hand. Indiana, in contrast, only had three substitutes dressed for the match, which combined with their game the night before surely gave them little chance to come back against a fresh Wildcat team.
One of those Hershey substitutes was Mike Butler, who Hershey recently acquired from Pittsburgh. While not yet starting, Butler has added some spark to the second half offense, which was sorely lacking. He finally scored his first Hershey goal with a header in the 81st off an excellent cross from Matthew Ford.
Peter Baah closed out the scoring with an 86th minute consolation goal for Indiana.
The victory, in front of 2,643 fans on youth soccer night, keeps Hershey in third place in front of Hampton Roads. The next match will be a home clash against the Connecticut Wolves, who currently sit on last place in the Northeast Division.
