This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Murray • The Murray boys' soccer team proved it could keep opponents from scoring in the Spartans' first two games, both of which ended in 0-0 ties.
But, after blanking Judge 6-0 earlier in the week and then Hillcrest 4-0 Friday, it seems as though the unbeaten Spartans have found some offense as well.
Murray took advantage of two second-half goals by Ryan O'Neill to stay unbeaten and set up a key battle with defending 4A champion Skyline next week.
O'Neill's first goal came less than a minute into the second half in what he called the Spartans' high pressure offensive formation. A defender trying to clear the ball bounced it into O'Neill, who scored.
The second one came on a nice assist from Preston Hunter. O'Neill just chipped it in.
Murray coach Bryan Demann praised the team play of his veteran squad.
The Spartans' 10 goals this season have been scored by seven different players. Goalies Mitch Clawson and Javier Vierya have split time in the four shutouts. Four defenders and two sub defenders have kept opponents from getting many scoring chances. And Demann played 19 athletes Friday, showing Murray's depth.
"There is something in these kids," said Demann. "Guys are playing tight. We have two good keepers and good guys in the back. We are making progress and have a good attitude. Guys back each other up and like each other."
That was evident when interviewing Clawson, who made certain to mention that the Spartans' other goalie, Vierya, was equally important in producing the shutout.
"Our defense line is good," said Clawson, who said only a shot that bounced off the pole Friday came close to breaking Murray's string of shutouts to start the season. "We know each other and how we play."
Murray's Beamer Wilken got the scoring started in the fifth minute, tapping the ball around the goalie, to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead at the half.
Then O'Neill scored his two goals, followed by another by Aaron Solomon at the 21-minute mark of the second half. At that point, the only question was whether the shutout streak would continue.
It did.
Twitter @tribtomwharton —
Storylines
• Murray stretches its shutout streak to four games to start the season as it improves to 2-0-2 overall and 2-0 in Region 6.
• Ryan O'Neill scores two second-half goals to secure the win.
• Goalies Mitch Clawson and Javier Vierya each play a half to preserve the scoreless streak.