The 3A Millers, ranked number one in the Indiana Coaches Association preseason poll, kicked off their much anticipated 21-22 season against the Greenfield-Central Cougars. When asked his thoughts on the upcoming season, co-captain Palmer Ault said, “This is a promising season for us. We’ve got the guys we need to go all the way. And it’s great to get to go out there and play with all of our best friends every day.”
That teamwork and camaraderie were evident Tuesday night at Hallmark Orthodontics Soccer Complex in the Millers’ home opener. After pressing offensively for the first seven minutes of the game, the Millers started the scoring with a goal by Ault in the 8th minute off of a slotted through ball from Spencer Holland. Ault drew out the keeper and easily drained the empty netter. It was followed shortly after with a goal to the far post by Holland in the 17th minute off of an assist from Kyle Goad. Holland had an assist in the 18th minute with a chipped ball that was brought down with an excellent touch from Brayden Doll, who then hit a half volley that went bar down. Two minutes later, in the 20th minute, Goad connected with Holland on a through ball for the Millers fourth goal of the half. Several players made their varsity team debuts in the first half, including Miles Tucker, Andreas Michaeloff, and Matthew Morris.
The Millers scored four more goals in the second half. They included a goal from Holland off of a penalty kick in the 50th minute to give him the hat trick. In the 59th minute Ault scored his second goal of the night after stealing the ball in the offensive third, dribbling two defenders, and burying one past the keeper. In the 63rd minute, Matthew Morris scored his first varsity goal for the Millers with a header off of a corner kick from Goad. The final Miller goal on the night was scored by Jordan Hindes in the 76th minute on an assist from Morris. The second half also saw the varsity debut for goalkeeper Cole Thompson and wing Pavlos Michaeloff.
The Cougars remained scoreless throughout the game thanks to a solid defensive midfield anchored by Goad, Doll, and Michael Crandley. The Miller player of the game was awarded to Morris for his goal and assist on the evening. After the game, Morris said, “Winning the first game of the season was pretty important to us. It helps us make sure we have solid teamwork as we head into our next game against Carmel.”
The Millers take on rival 3A #7 Carmel Greyhounds Thursday night at Carmel. The varsity game is scheduled to kick off around 7pm.