Chippy soccer play between Blue Devils, Western results in 2-2 result

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Soccer is a contact sport. That is the claim that arose repeatedly from the Tipton crowd as the Blue Devils visited Western on Aug. 28 for a varsity contest.

The exhortations resulted from a very physical style of play that brought an undefeated Tipton back from a 2-0 deficit to jostle the Panthers for a tie in Russiaville.

Western played solidly on both sides of the ball in the first half, keeping the Blue Devils out of the net while managing a goal to lead 1-0 at the half. The Panthers opened the second half with another goal, leaving Tipton in a hole.

But then the Panthers got complacent and eased off the pedal. This gave Tipton an opening and the visitors hip checked their way back into the contests. The Blue Devils' aggressive play drew yellow cards along with the calls for more from the crowd.

Western's free kicks quickly became Tipton possessions, and the Blue Devils battled back to actually capture the lead, 4-3, as the clock wound down.

Tipton learned a tough lesson at the end of the match, however. It turns out that adage "live by the sword, die by the sword" is quite valid.

The Panthers began playing with abandon as the final seconds arrived, desperately searching for the goal. Tipton responded with aggression, and as Western made a play for the net, the Blue Devils committed a physical foul that prompted a penalty kick.

With just 36 seconds on the clock, the Panthers sized up the goal and found the back of the net, high and just inside the right goalpost, for a 4-4 tie.

Western was led on the field by senior Carter Biggs, who scored twice during the contest. Sophomore Kendall Krause and freshman Levi Baker each added a goal for the Panthers, and junior Brett Kallio was indispensable by registering a pair of assists.

Tipton had four different players find the net, as juniors Quinn Smith, Zane Emberton, and Anderson Gomez each scored, as did sophomore Oliver Stewart. Each of those goals had help. Senior Tyler Sorensen made two assists, and Smith and freshman Grant Servies each registered one.

Smith and Stewart each were presented with yellow cards for rough play during the match. At the goal, senior Brogan Foerg made six saves.

Tipton continued to find success after the match, prevailing over Peru, Tri-Central, and Alexandria-Monroe. At 5-0-2, the Blue Devils next host Hamilton Heights (4-3) on Tue., Sept. 9.

Western's record remained mired in mediocrity following the draw with Tipton. At 2-3-2, the Panthers will hunt for a win this evening as they host West Lafayette (3-5).

See additional photos from this contest, including galleries for each team, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.