FLOWOOD – Missed scoring opportunities doomed Heritage in a loss 2-0 to St. Aloysius Saturday in the MAIS AAA soccer championship games.
The Patriots came up empty on five good chances in the first half. St. Aloysius goalie Hayden Luke made saves on two breakaways and a penalty shot by Jackson DiCicco, Jonathan Swartz was just wide from in close and St. Al defender Carson Collier hustled back to deflect a ball headed toward an empty goal.
Luke said teammate Kieran Theriot advised him to dive to his left as a result of watching game films. “So I dove to my left.”
Heritage coach Joe Asadi said, “It’s simple. You don’t play well, you won’t win.”
Ryan Theriot scored both goals in the first half, giving him 55 for his senior season. He beat the defense to a loose ball in the fourth minute and lifted it over the head of goalie Parker Maner.
Theriot struck again in the 34th minute, scoring on a low shot to the near post.
Playing with the wind, Heritage dominated the second half, but Luke kept making saves. He finished with 13.
Maner kept the Patriots in the game with 14 saves. St. Aloysius finished with a 22-20 edge in shots.
Four Patriots were named to the North Division All-Star team -Swartz, Noel Fisher, Reuben Proffitt and Coen Valek.
The Patriots finish 16-5 and St. Aloysius 17-1, the only lost against AAAA power Jackson Academy.
It was a repeat championship for St. Aloysius. The school also won the girls title in the fall.
The game was played at the Jackson Prep football stadium.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.