HUDSON — Fivay came in undefeated Friday but couldn’t get much of anything going against Springstead, which won 2-0 to take over first in District 3A-7.
“They’re the guys to hunt down, no doubt about it,” said Fivay coach Buster Grzyb.
The Falcons (5-1, 4-1) managed just six shots, three on goal, while Springstead ended with 12 after getting none in the first 20 minutes.
There was a reason for the Eagles’ slow start. Springstead coach Warren Schmidt said a “discipline problem” with three starters had them watching from the sidelines until the first water break.
A mere one minute later it was 1-0 thanks to some tremendous moves from Harry Bennett to set up Frankie Fontan’s score.
“Then we just knew we had to possess the ball, and leave it up to the Iron Curtain,” said Fontan, referring to the Eagles’ defense led by central force Jubin Thomas.
Springstead (6-1, 4-0) saw still-unbeaten Wiregrass Ranch poke some holes in the Curtain on Wednesday in a 4-1 loss, but all of those goals were off set pieces. Fivay mounted only a few threats, but often Thomas, his brother, Jamie, and Auston Larratta were there to sweep them away.
Fivay’s best shot came in the 52nd minute when Austin Harrell’s cross came to an unmarked Robbie Brown 12 yards from goal, but he sent it over the net. Big forward Jacob Hindman had a couple of long-range efforts but his night ended early due to a serious leg cramp.
The other Springstead goal came one minute after halftime as Chris Begeny was sprung in on net on an assist by the skillful Onno Grabowski.
Grzyb, who was a little bothered by the chippy nature of Springstead (10 fouls compared with five for Fivay), is looking forward to a Dec. 10 rematch and possible district title game meeting.
“When we get all our players back and can sub in more fresh legs, I like our chances,” he said.
Fivay is missing several players due to injury and one other to a red-card suspension.