Alta scoring twice as much as last year

SANDY — Throughout the 2004 season, Alta only banged in 22 goals, in 17 games, and struggled to come up with quality finishing in big matches.

Only eight games into 2005, the Hawks already have scored 20 times, including four goals during their commanding 4-0 win over rival Jordan on Tuesday.

It marked the third time this season that Alta scored at least four goals.

"It's really nice (to score a lot of goals)," coach Lee Mitchell said. "They're finding the net, and that's what people notice. But they're doing the other things as well."

T.J. McClure opened the scoring for Alta in the 27th minute. Jordan had failed to clear a loose ball out of the 6-yard box, and the goalkeeper tried to blast the ball to safety.

Instead, his attempt struck off McClure and flew into the net.

The Hawks' senior forward had nearly scored four minutes earlier, but his expertly taken shot rifled off the upper-left corner of the goal.

Playing against a heavy wind during the first half, Alta had much of the possession after their goal but failed to again seriously test Jordan's 'keeper before halftime.

The second half was another matter.

Alta had a goal disallowed less a minute into the second half, and it added two more tallies inside 53 minutes.

"After the goal, we kind of just lingered," McClure said. "In the second half . . . we got our shorts dirty."

First, Alta benefitted when Jordan's 'keeper failed to collect a dangerous free kick. The ball fell to the feet of sophomore striker Garrett Losee, who did well to turn and fire his shot into the open net.

On 53 minutes, left midfielder Matt Frogley dribbled into the left side of the 18-yard box. From an acute angle, Frogley's excellent shot managed to sneak in at the far post.

Garrett Vaughan scored Alta's final goal, in the 74th minute.

Good midfield play, a stout defense, and great goalkeeping have all been present for the Hawks during this season, Mitchell said.

Senior defender Marc Price was forced to leave with leg cramps at halftime, but Collin Halliday seamlessly stepped in.

In goal, Aaron Weymann earned his fourth shutout.