Hampshire sets tone in 1st half

Hampshire's Ismael Morales cuts between Marengo defenders Martine Romero (27) and Auston Brettschneider before taking a shot in the first half Monday at Hampshire High School. Hampshire won, 3-1. (Lauren M. Anderson – landerson@nwherald.com)

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HAMPSHIRE – Coach John Gosling made a simple request to his Hampshire boys soccer team before Monday’s Big Northern Conference East Division showdown with Marengo.

“I told them it was important to score first,” Gosling said. “We’ve been getting down early in games and finding ourselves in a come-from-behind position.

“It’s a much easier and more enjoyable game when you come out and set the tone.”

The Whip-Purs (11-7-1 overall, 5-3 BNC East) listened to their coach’s advice, as they scored the game’s first three goals, all in the first half, and held on to beat the Indians, 3-1.

Forward Noel Sosa opened the scoring midway through the first half after he and Ismael Morales executed a give-and-go that ended up in the top right corner of the net.

Morales scored Hampshire’s second goal 8:48 before the break and quickly added another with just more than six minutes on the clock.

“What our offense showed today is what we work on in practice,” Morales said. “Quick one-two touches back and forth that result in good scoring opportunities.”

Both goals were assisted by midfielder Kyle Bracke, with the second coming on a cross that connected with Morales’ head. Marengo (5-9-1, 2-5) goalie Gabriel Herrera adjusted well to the cross and header, but his diving attempt came up just short.

“It was a perfectly placed ball in the air,” Morales said. “I just happened to get my head on it.”

Marengo’s offense was able to produce 11 shots on goal, but only one got past Hampshire goalie Marcus Quick.

James Simonson scored Marengo’s lone goal on a quick pass from Miguel Resendez that was originally cleared by the Indians’ defense.

“Last time we played these guys, we lost 5-0,” Marengo coach Jim McKinnon said. “We came out with wanting to play better than last time, and I think we did.”

“Unfortunately, it still wasn’t enough.”

Hampshire and Marengo each have two game remaining in conference play. Both teams have already exceeded last year’s win totals.