Your Heartland Lions pulled out an unexpected win against the CC Crusaders Monday, August 8th. The Lions took an early lead with a feed into the box from left wing Paul Bender. After bouncing off several players, Christopher Hammond secured the goal for the Lions from the back post. Center back Jacob Reed held a high defensive position supported by the positioning of Camden Holloway and Ben Metzger; and the defensive speed of Caden and Easton Jones. The Lions held the Crusaders to only two attempts on goal, which were saved by goalie Ryan Coy. Before the end of the first half, Paul Bender put one into the net from a beautiful feed from Caden Jones in the backfield. After the half, the Crusaders went on the attack and kept Ryan Coy and his defense busy. Central Catholic fought hard inside the eighteen yard box to get one past the Lions defense in the second half. The Lions played a passive build out game to run out the clock - focusing on maintaining possession of the ball for the rest of the second half. The final two minutes of the game saw heated competition as both teams fought against the clock. The Lions held off the Crusaders making the final score of the game 2-1 in favor of your Heartland Lions.