This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Herriman • Turning to celebrate Lone Peak's second goal of the afternoon, Hunter Henry felt the impact on his back. He'd been struck with the soccer ball after Herriman's keeper chucked his frustration away with a cheap shot.

No whistle. No discussion. As if nothing happened. That was the story on Wednesday.

"Just shut up and shake their hands," one Lone Peak player instructed his teammates following the Knights' 3-0 win on Herriman's home field.

It was ugly from the beginning. Relentless and aggressive complaining, physical confrontations, and obvious animosity warranted a mere two yellow cards.

"I told my boys, 'We got to focus on ourselves and execute our game plan,'" said Lone Peak coach Blaine Hale. "I think it points to a bigger problem, really."

When asked what the underlying problem was, Hale had strong criticism of the quality of officiating in boys' soccer in Utah.

"It's frustrating for all of us coaches. We talk about it in our meetings. It's really dangerous for the boys, is what it comes down to," Hale said. "We want to make sure the boys are safe. [Officials] can't keep up with the boys. They don't know how to communicate with the boys. They don't understand the game. It's tough. It's dangerous."

Hale attributed games scheduled in the afternoon as the root of the problem when it comes to the lack of availability for quality officials.

"Look at the officials we get at 3:30 in the afternoon. How come there is [a] problem with boys' soccer? Look who we are getting to referee," Hale said. "Does basketball have a problem? No, their games are at night. Does football have a problem? No, their games are at night. Pick any other sport. They play later with the good officials."

Lone Peak (7-0-1) equaled its Region 4 average of three goals with a successful penalty kick in the 70th minute from Jacob Canfield after ending the first 40 minutes in a scoreless tie with the Mustangs (4-3-1).

The haunting sound of a cawing pierced the equally eerie sound of silence at halftime. A lone black crow circled the sky, acting as the harbinger of defeat. It was a matter of time. Lone Peak had dominated the entire first half, preventing Herriman from attempting a shot on goal.

"Our guys work hard, and when they work hard together, things go well for us," Hale said. "It takes one or two guys to not bring it, and things start falling apart."

Taylor Hadlock ended the stalemate in the 49th minute on a second-chance opportunity. Justin Jones extended the cushion seven minutes later.

Twitter: @trevorphibbs