Mahomet-Seymour soccer faces tough opponents in Urbana Tournament

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By Fred Kroner

Mahomet-Seymour’s boys’ soccer team didn’t hurt its strength-of schedule during the weekend Urbana Tournament.

The Bulldogs played three opponents who entered the Friday (Sept. 2) event with a combined 8-0-1 record.

In the first round, M-S won a penalty kick shootout against Dunlap. In the semifinals, the Bulldogs dropped a penalty kick showdown with eventual champion Champaign Central.

Against Dunlap, Nick Tjahjadi hit the goal with an assist from Travis Hoffman. Zach Beyer totaled nine assists.

Against Central, Isaac Warren made the lone Bulldog score, with an assist from Tjahjadi. Beyer had 11 assists.

In the third-place match, M-S couldn’t hold onto a 1-0 halftime lead against Geneseo in a match that finished in a 1-1 draw.

Kai Jones tallied the Bulldog goal, with an assist from Warren. Beyer finished with three assists.

“Leading up to the tourney, only one top 20 (team) in the entire state has had a harder starting schedule, according to Maxpreps,” M-S coach Jeremy Davis said,

The Bulldogs were rated third in the state in Class 2A, though Davis puts little credence in early-season rankings.

“Rankings at this point mean about as much as my mama telling me I was a special boy,” Davis said.

Two Bulldogs were chosen to the all-tournament team: Zach Beyer and Isaac Warren.

“Zach Beyer is making a case to be the best keeper in central Illinois,” Davis said.

Davis said the Bulldogs displayed a valiant effort.

“The Bulldogs controlled the ball effectively (against Geneseo), but tired legs just couldn’t find the net at the end of the day,” Davis added.

M-S (5-2-1) returns to action on Thursday (Sept. 8) at Charleston.