The Millers beat the Fort Wayne Northrop Bruins Saturday to win the regional championship.
The Millers wasted no time scoring 40 seconds into the game with Jake Johns exploiting their Bruins’ 3-back defense and playing a ball to Spencer Holland. Holland slotted it past the Bruins’ goalkeeper to put the Millers quickly on the board.
The Millers scored again several minutes later on a second goal from Holland who one-timed a pass from Palmer Ault. This was quickly followed with a goal by Ault, who hit a left-footed half volley from the 18 after the Millers regained possession off of a missed Bruins clearance.
Brayden Doll scored the Millers’ fourth goal after settling a pass from Ault, turning, and rocketing it past the Bruins’ goalkeeper.
The Millers came into the second half up 4-0. Doll scored his second goal on the day, after Andy Stansfield dribbled to the end line and slotted a ball to Doll who finished.
The Millers defense had their 15th shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Gabe Ingle had 5 saves. Defenders Cole Bramblett, Drew Cochran, Brady Horn, Andy Stansfield and Michael Crandley contained several dynamic Bruins players.
Additionally, several players contributed solid minutes of play late in the game to maintain the shut out, including Luke Smith, Luke Odle, Miles Tucker, Noah Bernot, Jackson Montgomery, Jordan Hindes, Noah Adams, Ashton Craig, Matthew Morris, and Landon Huber.
In addition to the outstanding skill play, the Millers also showed immense mental fortitude. Despite some chippy play from the Bruins, including several overt fouls and 5 yellow cards and 1 red card, the Millers maintained their composure throughout the game. This mental toughness was evident down the stretch and allowed the Millers to maintain the shut out.
The Millers player of the game and winner of the championship belt was Doll. After the game, Doll said, “It was another great win. This one is another lift off our shoulders. We have gelled as a team and are playing some of our best soccer, as you can tell by the score lines. We are now ready to focus on the next game and the game after that. Our ultimate goal is state, but we are going to take it one game at a time.”
The Millers will play 3A #4 Chesterton Trojans Saturday at 5pm at Kokomo High School.
This is the Millers’ 9th regional championship in program history and their second in three years.
Regional Championships (9): 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021