The chances were there Saturday afternoon for the Helias Crusaders.
They just couldn't convert on them.
"It's the way it's been with this young team," Helias coach Chuck Register said after the Crusaders dropped a 2-1 decision to the Washington Blue Jays at the 179 Soccer Park in Jefferson City. "They're still trying to figure a way to score. We've been working on it, moving people around. We're trying to find the right combination."
Helias finished with a 13-12 edge in shots. But just one of those shots was on goal.
The Crusaders took the lead about 14 minutes into the game when the Blue Jays were whistled for a foul in the box. Ian Luebbert covered the ensuing penalty kick for Helias.
Helias had a chance to double its lead with 10 minutes remaining the half. But Dane Haugen's shot bounced off the crossbar back into the field of play.
"That would have been awesome," Register said. "If he hits that shot, it probably puts a damper in their game and it gives us a lot more confidence.
"And that's what we need more than anything right now, more confidence. We've been getting unlucky at things like this season, but we're learning from the experiences."
Washington tied it with six minutes to go in the half on a goal by Ryan Becszlko.
"We allowed the ball to get back to the middle and they scored, we need to learn how to clear the ball a little better," Register said.
Washington (4-3) got what proved to be the game-winner just two minutes into the second half. Helias was called for a hand ball in the box and Justin Schuttenberg hit the penalty kick to give Washington a 2-1 lead.
"I think we're getting closer to what we should look like on the field, it's just taking some time," Register said.
Injuries aren't helping the cause. Nate Mercurio is out with a broken foot, while Zach Simon has a sprained ankle. In Saturday's game, Sam Ferrier left with what Register said was a back injury.
"We can't keep losing people and expect to compete against the schedule we play," Register said.
It was the first home game of the season for Helias (3-5), which is back in action Monday at Battle.
Washington won Saturday's JV game 1-0.