Esperanza Shuts Out Hart, 1-0

Rick Frye drew a tough assignment for Hart High’s Southern Section 3-A quarterfinal soccer game Friday afternoon against Esperanza.

The junior defenseman was asked to stop high-scoring forward Brent Bish. According to Hart’s game plan, a ban on Bish would bring an end to Esperanza’s undefeated season.

Frye could only watch, however, as Bish scored his 23rd goal of the season on a penalty kick in the 59th minute to lead Esperanza to a 1-0 victory.

Hart Coach Wally McPheeters installed an unusual defense designed to suffocate Esperanza’s offense, which had scored 86 goals this season. Hart (14-7-2) used only two forwards and dropped everyone else back on defense.

“They played a slow-down game, hoping for a break,” said Esperanza Coach John Coppage. “It is highly irregular to throw 11 men back on defense.”

The penalty kick that won the game was awarded because Eddie Olafsson committed a handball. On the sidelines, McPheeters predicted, “It’s as good as a goal.”

Bish made McPheeters a prophet, slamming the shot into the left corner of the goal. Since Hart’s offense was almost non-existent, that ensured the win.