Highlanders and Lancers Battled to a Scoreless Tie

Tukwila - The Hazen Highlanders had to settle for a tie against the Kennedy Lancers in a scoreless meeting. The Highlanders (4-3-1 Overall, 4-1-1 Seamount) needed the win to tie the Lancers (6-2-2 Overall, 5-0-2 Seamount) for first place in the Seamount League. Both Hazen’s Freddie Jeronimo and Kennedy’s Thomas Morrell earned shutouts. The Highlanders also earned the tie in Ken Matthews debut as the team’s new head coach, replacing Ritch Gouk, who resigned Wednesday.

Hazen’s Frankie Johnson earned defensive honors as he helped prevent any Kennedy players from scoring any goals. In the 45th minute, Johnson prevented a Kennedy score by head-butting the ball out of bounds. In the 54th minute Johnson applied pressure to a Lancers player that resulted in an Esteban Padilla steal.

“He’s such a good athlete,” said Matthews of Johnson. “People forget he’s a good soccer player.”

Jeronimo earned his shutout, one example coming from taking a body-shot from the ball to prevent the Kennedy score in the 15th minute. Kennedy’s Nick Pfeifer had an opportunity to score with less than 4 minutes in the game but Jeronimo beat him to the ball for the save.

The Lancers had two opportunities to score and take control of the game in the 75th minute. The first attempt resulted in the ball bouncing off the top goalpost. The second attempt went into the net, but resulted in a turnover due to a handball violation.

Matthews said Hazen had an amazing turnaround after the first meeting where the Highlanders lost to the Lancers 6-0. Matthews added that the Highlanders were able to keep their energy focused on the game.

“We focused on playing the game of soccer and the way it should be played,” said Matthews. “They were able to compete with Kennedy very well.”

Upcoming Games at

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Foster @ Lindbergh – 5:30pm

Hazen @ Renton – 7:30pm

Friday, April 15, 2011

Lindbergh @ Renton – 6pm