Boys Soccer: Gordon’s hat trick lifts Strath Haven past Ridley

NETHER PROVIDENCE — Holding a two-goal lead Wednesday, Strath Haven’s second half started about as poorly as could be.

Just three minutes into the stanza, the Panthers saw center back Will Haury crumple in a heap, then limp off with a bum ankle. On the ensuring restart, a Ridley corner kick, defender Riley Brown nodded home to halve the lead.

Some teams would’ve been left in a quandary, their lead slipping away in the search for answers. For this Strath Haven team, though, replacing a key contributor is just another day at the office.

The response came quickly, and thanks to a hat trick by Ahmir Gordon, the Panthers claimed a 4-1 Central League victory.

Haury’s absence was filled by committee. Leading the way was central defense partner Ben Wolters, who didn’t leave the field on the day. Right back Adam Tashman, himself returning from an injury that cost him the last two games, moved centrally to repel Ridley’s advances before he went off with 10 minutes left due to cramping. Next up was senior reserve Andrew Restrepo.

Through it all, the Panthers’ defense by committee was able to silence a Ridley attack that was sedate in the first half but sustained pressure on the home side after the break, emboldened by the goal.

“Will’s a really big player for us, but Adam Tashman is also really good,’ Wolters said. “We obviously miss him, but we can fill his spot. … The whole team has really been stepping up. We’ve got a really deep squad and a lot of guys that are able to put out the effort out there.’

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