Boys Soccer Wins First Regional Title

NOMINATE FOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

By Tony Miller
Bleeding Bruin Blue News Editor
LAKEVILLE, Ind. — Femi Hollinger-Janzen has scored before. But Saturday night's goal was bigger than the other 62 goals the Indiana-bound senior scored in high school, because none of the other goals were the difference in a regional final.

Hollinger-Janzen's tally, a strike from 20 yards out with 25:05 left in the game, was the only goal of the night as third-ranked Bethany defeated ninth-ranked Andrean 1-0 in the final game of the LaVille regional at Newton Park. The Bruins are 17-3-1 on the season, extending their record for most wins in school history and winning the regional title for the first time ever.

After a pair of Andrean shots on goal were stopped by Bethany goalkeeper Jeff Yoder, both Hollinger-Janzen and Nate Nussbaum found the crossbar but could not convert before the half. The game's first 40 minutes were scoreless, with Bethany holding a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal and 4-2 lead in corner kicks at the half. The Bruins finished with 6 shots on goal to Andrean's 5, while both teams took six corner kicks and Bethany was called for 14 of the game's 24 fouls.

Hollinger-Janzen's 63rd goal puts him three behind 1987 graduate Myron Bontreger for the most in school history; Yoder's ninth season shutout ties him with Seth Kauffman, whose 2007 season now has company at the top of the record book.

As one of the final eight teams in the state, Bethany advances to Saturday's semi-state tournament at Newton Park. The Bruins will take on conference rival Argos, holder of a 13-6 record, in the first game, set for 10 a.m. Bethany defeated Argos 2-0 at Bodiker Field on Oct. 1 and holds a seven-game winning streak in the series, which is in its sixth decade. Fifth-ranked Guerin Catholic (13-5-2) will take on top-ranked Fort Wayne Canterbury (15-1-4) in the other semifinal at noon, with the semi-state final coming seven hours later.

Bethany 1, Andrean 0

• B: Femi Hollinger-Janzen (65')

Shots on goal — Andrean 5, Bethany 6. Saves — Andrean: Mike Croux 5; Bethany: Jeff Yoder 5. Corner kicks — Andrean 6, Bethany 6. Fouls — Andrean 10, Bethany 14.

Referee — Jim Hoover (Peru). Linesmen — Daniel Blue (Goshen), Christine Spradlin (Logansport).