CARTERVILLE — The Carterville Boys Soccer team started their conference season at home on Tuesday. Facing Anna-Jonesboro, many challenges were met along the way, unfortunately resulting in a 6-2 loss. 

The opener started off hot with a goal from Asher Morley, assisted by Jesus Mendez, within the first few minutes. As the Lion’s were in the lead 1-0, a handball came into play and the boys saw themselves facing off against a penalty kick, quickly transitioning the score to 1-1. 

During the second half of the game, Riley Sims scored goal number two. Carterville goalie, Keegan Webber, came in clutch for the team, saving a tremendous amount of shots on goal. However, in the end the result was still 6 goals for AJ and 2 goals for Carterville. 

Evan Lennox and Mendez, both strong players returning from injuries, have to adjust to a more cautious routine as recovery comes into play. 

“Having an injury in the first game really just put more fuel in my tank. To go out 20 minutes into a game helped me become even more excited for the season. Sitting on the sidelines is never fun and now I see myself playing even harder as if it didn’t happen,” said Lennox.

Although the outcome wasn’t what the boys were expecting, they are excited to continue their conference season on Thursday, September 2, against Murphysboro with their heads up high. 

Already strategizing new plans to conquer a win, Burke Lange explains his thoughts moving forward. 

“I would change my positioning. I feel like if I can be in the right spot it can open many opportunities for the team to get the ball forward which will lead to scoring more goals.”