Whitewater Wildcats vs. Trinity Christian Lions - GHSA Boys'

A great showing from the Whitewater Wildcats as they won over region rivals Trinity Christian 4-0. Four goals in the first half saw the Wildcats through to their fifth win of the season, while the Lions will be looking to make a quick bounce back to winning ways in their next matchup.    Consistent with his no-nonsense and reliable approach, Smiech proves his value on the field. He is intelligent and composed when on the ball, effectively managing the game's tempo and choosing the best options. He is very tidy and comfortable with the ball, never rushing his passes and consistently keeping the ball close to his feet. Additionally, Smiech has a keen understanding of the game, always aware of when to drop back or jockey and when to apply pressure. Very quick and physical, he is very good at winning the ball back, putting his body against the attacker just enough to where its not a foul, and timing his tackles well. Smiech is a very well rounded modern center-back who does his job and gives it his best every game.     AJ is a leader in every sense of the word. Vocal, commanding, uplifting, and demanding the best of himself and his team, he is always there for them and giving it his all. Predominantly playing as a GK, but at times playing in the outfield as a midfielder, Brown is versatile. Quick and comfortable with the ball at his feet, he has good awareness and distribution, enabling him to effectively pick out runs and passes. He is agile and explosive, making the hardest saves look easy. He does a good job at organizing his teammates, and giving instructions, serving almost as another coach on field. Brown instills confidence, stability, and strength to his side, on and off the pitch. He is a true captain.     A solid, physical, and dependable center back, Hargrove is a rock in the defense. He is strong and difficult to move off the ball; tall, he poses a constant aerial threat, jumping high to head the ball; fast, he is tough to outrun, always ready to chase you down. Comfortable on the ball, he likes to carry the ball and go up the field, and he does it well. He also does very well at keeping possession for his side, not afraid to play the negative pass and play the keeper if need be. Overall, Hargrove is a great asset to have start or bring off the bench, bringing stability and confidence in the back line.     Johnston is a consistent player who approaches every match with one goal: to win. He is a hard-working, determined athlete, perfectly fitting the defensive role while also performing well in midfield. Physical and aggressive, Johnston is a menace for oncoming attackers; he is not afraid to get down and dirty while putting in some hard tackles. He lets his presence be known. As well, as being very vocal and communicative with his team, he has the makings of a captain. Johnston is no-nonsense and gives it his all, letting his soccer do the talking.     Playing as a 10, Bennani-Karim completes the midfield for his team. He is always providing support to the forwards and is always looking to be involved in the attack. He also does well to drop and be an option for the midfielders and even the defense, picking the ball up deep and carrying it forward. Bennani-Karim is excellent at picking up his head and distributing the ball; with every pass finding feet. Fast, agile, tidy, and technical, at times he seems to almost glide through the field, with ball sticking to his feet like glue. Bennani-Karim, proves to be a very important, very often being the catalyst for his team.     Fast, tidy, agile, and skillful, Garcia slots perfectly into the wing position. He is not afraid to take players on, with a little drop of the shoulder or step over, he often leaves his opposition dumbfounded and in his wake. He does very well at cutting inside and creating space for himself to get a shot off. Powerful, he does well to, at times, just run straight through the opposition defense and bully his way to goal. Garcia is goal threat whenever on the ball, proving to be a great option and player for his side.

A great showing from the Whitewater Wildcats as they won over region rivals Trinity Christian 4-0. Four goals in the first half saw the Wildcats through to their fifth win of the season, while the Lions will be looking to make a quick bounce back to winning ways in their next matchup.