CCHS boys soccer Terrier soccer wins three straight

The Carbondale Terrier boys soccer team continued its torrid pace last week with three straight, dominating, seven-goal victories over Centralia, Sikeston and Murphysboro.

Tuesday, Sept. 17 saw the Terriers defeating the Orphans in a South Seven conference matchup in Centralia. Ibsaa Benti earned his first hat trick, scoring three goals by playing heads-up soccer.

His first goal was earned when the Centralia keeper fumbled the ball and Benti toed it home. James Oberg and Sajad Nasser both pitched in with a brace (two goals) each.

Next, in a non-conference interstate matchup, the Terriers welcomed the Sikeston Bulldogs to Carbondale Thursday, Sept. 19, who they disposed of with short dispatch 7-0. This time, it was Oberg with the hat trick. Nasser pitched in with two goals, and Benti and midfielder Oscar Murillo each contributed one.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Terriers hosted the Murphysboro Red Devils, who entered the match short-handed due to injuries and illnesses. After having defeated Murphysboro 9-0 on their pitch earlier this season, Carbondale won this edition 7-0 in a shortened match.

This time, the Terriers spread the scoring around. Nasser, Benti, Oberg, Ian Davis and Nathan Torres all had shots that found purchase, and Murphysboro's defenders contributed two goals.

Goals win games, but passing is key to excellent play. Sajad Nasser and Josh Payne rank no. 2 and 3 respectively in the Illinois 2A rankings with 13 and 12 assists respectively. Oscar Murillo also appears, tied for fifth with nine assists.

This week, Carbondale hosted two home matches at Fralish Field: Tuesday against the Anna-Jonesboro Cobden Coop, and then against fierce conference rival Marion Thursday. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the team will defend its 5K title in the For Kid's Sake Superhero 5K (supporting orphanages and schools in Bangladesh) that starts in Turley Park at 9:30 a.m.

Carbondale now ranks fifth in the Illinois 2A state rankings at 12-0 with one tie.