Coppell edges Hebron on late goal
Published 2/16/2008 9:04:07 AM by David Hinojosa from dallas
Coppell coach Shane Bybee pleaded with his team to keep the ball low. When it finally happened, the game-winning score followed. Junior forward Ben Hill flicked a perfect pass in stride to a charging Steven Haltom, who scored from about 20 yards out with 12:23 left in the game to give Coppell a 1-0 victory against Hebron, the nation's top-ranked team, at Echols Field. "We finally played the ball to our forward's feet," said Bybee, whose team is ranked No. 5 nationally. "We felt like we were getting good chances. Ben and Steven are a real tough tandem. They put so much pressure on defenses." It was a rare offensive chance for either team. Defense prevailed as each team's dynamic forward – Hill for Coppell and Hebron's Lucas Bassan – drew attention. Bassan's best scoring chance actually came in the second minute on a penalty kick, but he was denied by senior goalkeeper Steve Schultz, who dove left to secure Bassan's shot. "If [Bassan] scores, then that would have changed the complexion of the whole game," Bybee said. Coppell improved to 15-0-1 and 4-0 in District 6-5A. Hebron fell to 14-1 and 3-1. They'll meet again March 11 at Hebron when Hebron can exact revenge.
Label: Coppell soccer, Hebron soccer, Ben Hill, Steven Haltom, Lucas Bassan
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