Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Kennett defeats Downingtown East, 2-1

09/18/2018 12:51PM ● By Steven Hoffman

Axel Ayllon and Luke Nall scored goals to help lead Kennett to a 2-1 victory over Downingtown East in soccer action on Sept. 13.

Ayllon's goal came early in the game, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Nall's goal, with an assist by Evan Hartman, came with more than 32 minutes to play in the second half. From that point on, Kennett's strong defense preserved the win through hustle and hard work.

“I was very pleased with our back four,” Kennett head coach Mike Barr said, referring to the team's defensive unit.

Ayllon, a senior, said that he was pleased, after two games where the team started out slowly, that Kennett played with good intensity from the start of the game. They had to play hard because Downingtown East was certainly playing with a lot of intensity. The Cougars got their first shot on goal just 90 seconds into the game, and the two teams battled for the ball relentlessly throughout the game.

Kennett's defense did a good job of protecting goalkeeper Juan Guerrero, but there were several times during the game when Downingtown East put sustained pressure on Guerrero. The Kennett goalkeeper was equal to the task. Perhaps his best play of the game came on a diving stop that he made on Downingtown East coming off a penalty kick with about 11 minutes to play in the game.

Barr said that Guerrero's strong play in goal has been an asset for the team this season.

The Kennett coach said that Alex Lopez played very well, particularly in the second half. There were several times when Lopez eluded the Downingtown East defenders and moved the ball forward for Kennett with his ability to dribble.

“He's a skillful player,” Barr said.

The victory improved Kennett's record to 2-1 on the season. Barr said that he was pleased that Kennett played well against a very good Downingtown East team. He said that he wants the Kennett players to now raise their expectations moving forward.

“I was really happy for the kids,” Barr said.