Reece Johnson's goal enough for Cathedral Prep boys soccer to beat McDowell
It's not a coincidence that soccer's most revered uniform number adorns Reece Johnson's jersey.
The No. 10 is often worn by a team's best player or scorer, including Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi. It's a tradition that dates back more than 60 years to when Brazilian soccer great Pele had his iconic performances on the pitch.
Johnson, as far as being Cathedral Prep's best scoring threat, lived up to such status Thursday. The senior recorded the lone goal of the Ramblers 1-0 victory over the rival McDowell Trojans at Dollinger Field.
“It's awesome for me to be able to wear No. 10 like (Lionel) Messi and all of the other great ones,” Johnson said. “It's an honor.”
Johnson corralled a short centering pass from the Ramblers' Dylan Danch roughly 15 yards in front of McDowell's net. The returning all-region forward then lined a clean shot past Trojans' goalkeeper Connor Cross.
That goal, scored just past the halfway point of the first half, was all the offense Prep required en route to an overall record of 3-0-1. McDowell dropped to 1-2-1.
“It was a tight game,” Ramblers coach Sam Tojaga said. “These games are never pretty because everyone is so filled with energy and anxiety, but also mutual respect. It was a great game and we'll take the win, for sure.”
Baker backstops Prep
Ethan Baker was the Ramblers' goalkeeper of record. None of the senior's saves was more challenging than the one he recorded with the match still scoreless.
McDowell's Luis Corrales freed himself from a Prep defender. The forward managed a clean shot from the left wing, but Baker reacted just fast enough to dive to his right and deflect the ball wide of the post.
Johnson scored four minutes later. After that, it was up to Baker to bar the Trojans from the scoreboard.
Baker said he accomplished that with some welcome help from Prep's defenders.
“It's not just my job to keep the shutout going,” Baker said. “As a team, I felt like we did that well (Thursday). I give (McDowell) credit because they are fast up top.”
Johnson also lauded Baker's effort after the match.
Not just for Thursday's performance, but those from the past.
“He's unbelievable,” Johnson said. “Some of his saves, I'm like, 'Wow, he just made that!' I wouldn't want anyone else back there.”
More:Erie Admirals Coaching Director Sam Tojaga suspended one year by US Club Soccer
Next opponents
Thursday was the first of two Region 5 meetings between the Ramblers and Trojans. Their rematch is Oct. 12 at McDowell's Gus Anderson Field.
Prep is back at Dollinger for the third of five consecutive home matches on Monday, when it hosts Nichols School of Buffalo.
McDowell concludes a four-match road trip next Tuesday at Kiski Area High School in Leechburg, Armstrong County, northeast of Pittsburgh. The Trojans began their 2022 season with a 1-0 home victory vs. the District 7 Cavaliers.
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Reece Johnson's goal gives Cathedral Prep boys soccer win vs. McDowell
