Warriors Top Giants
The Deerfield Warriors scored early and late to record a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over their district rivals the Highland Park Giants at Adams Field on Saturday night. The Warriors struck in the first minute, with Ryan Kaplan driving a long free kick into the penalty area. Matt Grady deflected the ball to Parker James, who rammed it home at the far post with only 50 seconds gone. For the rest of the half, the Giants applied pressure and the Warrior defense, led by keeper Troy Kayne, successfully dealt with the threats. The Giants continued to press for the equalizer, but the Warriors stood firm until the 67th minute, when they failed to clear a free kick, and the loose ball was tucked in the net. Instead of dropping their heads, the Warriors immediately went on the offensive. Tim Klabjan’s header struck the right post and bounced out with 10 minutes remaining. With nine minutes left, the Warriors earned a free kick. Kaplan drove a ball into the penalty area. Grady controlled the ball, took a step to his left, and ripped a left-footed shot into the far corner to put the Warriors on top 2-1. Troy Kayne made 11 saves, several of them spectacular, to allow the Warriors to emerge victorious. The Warrior midfield of Jack Bizar, Mitchell Doppelt, James, Eli Perez, and Kaplan was instrumental in providing solid team defense and starting the attack. The Warriors return to action on Tuesday at 7 PM when they host Maine East at Adams Field.
