Payson Roundup

Kim Wholly photos

Longhorn players, #9 and #15, battle the St. Johns Redskins for a loose ball near the goal, in a hard-fought match that ended with a 3-1 Payson victory.

Kim Wholly photos

A Longhorn player gets a little air going for the ball. Despite the mid-air clash, the Payson defense held all afternoon — allowing St. Johns to score just one goal.

Shane Crisp's spirited play led the Longhorn boys soccer team to a 3-1 win over the St. Johns Redskins.

With the win, Sept. 10 in St. Johns, the Horns improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the East Region.

Following the clash, coach Chad Gower praised Crisp who he said "has remained strong and was our leading scorer with two goals."

Also drawing accolades was Trae Dunman.

"He helped get the team going by receiving a short St. Johns goal kick and burning one of their players down into the corner before crossing the ball and connecting with Shane for our first goal of the first half," Gower said.

In the second half, Crisp scored again after Dakota Wholly's direct kick at half field.

Jerry Renteria tallied Payson's final goal by dribbling through the befuddled St. Johns' defense. Renteria's shot was from the top of the 18-yard box.

The score was his third of the young season.

Payson dominated the afternoon with 50 shots on goal. St. Johns took but four.

Also Payson had six direct kicks, most from fouls. St. Johns had two direct kicks due to Payson off sides.

Because a St. Johns player received a red card, the Horns enjoyed a man advantage during the final 13 minutes of the game.

The Longhorns return to action tomorrow, Sept. 17, against Snowflake. Game times are 4 (jayvee) and 6 p.m. (varsity) at Rumsey Park.