Crusaders blitz Battle for 7-0 win in soccer

Helias midfielder Jonah Lanigan runs to leap into teammate Carter Prenger's arms after scoring the first goal of Wednesday's game against Rock Bridge at Ray Hentges Stadium. It was also Lanigan's first varsity goal.
Helias midfielder Jonah Lanigan runs to leap into teammate Carter Prenger's arms after scoring the first goal of Wednesday's game against Rock Bridge at Ray Hentges Stadium. It was also Lanigan's first varsity goal.

It had been more than a week since the Helias Crusaders last played a soccer game.

If Wednesday night's 7-0 win against the Battle Spartans at Ray Hentges Stadium is any indication, it was time well spent.

"With the numbers we have, the rest was good for us," Helias coach Jay Hebenheimer said. "We had some hard practices and good conditioning, with some rest time as well."

The Crusaders scored twice in the opening eight minutes to take early control of the contest.

"We had several good practices during the layoff and it showed in the first half," Hebenheimer said. "We came out and possessed and controlled, we were patient with our opportunities and we didn't force much."

Jonah Lanigan got the Crusaders on the board at the 33:38 mark, assisted by Luke Hynes. It was Lanigan's first varsity goal and his face told the story.

"I haven't seen a smile that big in I don't know how long," Hebenheimer said.

A little more than a minute later, Hynes got on the board off an assist by Alex Tesreau.

The scores came on Helias' first two shots on goal.

"They were both quality," Hebenheimer said. "We've had trouble finishing the ball at times this season and to see those first two go in was good."

Carson Mudd made it 3-0 midway through the first half, scoring on a rebound. Helias capped the scoring in the half when Hynes headed in a corner kick by Logan Wilson.

"The boys came out with energy tonight and that was fun to see," Hebenheimer said.

Jacob Schrimpf scored on a penalty kick in the opening five minutes of the second half to make it 5-0. It was Schrimpf's first varsity goal.

Miles Vollet of the Crusaders scored 10 minutes into the half, putting back a rebound off a shot by Carson Prenger.

Hynes wrapped up a hat trick midway through the second half, heading in a long serve from Wilson on a free kick.

"I wanted Luke to work on assists tonight, bring other guys into play," Hebenheimer said. "And he did that well at times.

"And at times he got selfish and scored his own goals and I'm absolutely fine with that."

Helias is back in action Friday and Saturday in the Richard Wilson Classic at the 179 Soccer Park.

The Crusaders will face Sedalia Smith-Cotton at 5 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Helias will meet Carthage at 9 a.m. and North County at 1 p.m. All three games will be on Helias' old home field at the park.

"Hopefully this is the start of a good run for us," Hebenheimer said

There was no JV game Wednesday night.

III

On Monday, the Missouri State High School Activities Association released district assignments for fall sports.

In soccer, Helias is in Class 4 District 10 with Jefferson City, Capital City and Smith-Cotton.

"It's a tough district with three very good opponents," Hebenheimer said. "Everything we're doing right now is designed to have us ready to go in the postseason."

The host site has not been announced.