Dons, Red Devils evenly matched

SPRINGVILLE — The Spanish Fork and Springville boys soccer teams were both as disappointed as teams could be without losing a game.

The Dons and the Red Devils played through two overtimes to a 1-1 tie. Both teams had chances to win, and had let a victory slip away.

"It was pretty evenly matched," said Spanish Fork coach Sara Atuaia. "We're not satisfied. I thought we deserved to win. We played with the effort but I'm not satisfied with the tie."

Springville broke open the scoreless game in the 43rd minute on a goal by Weston Thompson. Spanish Fork was called for a minor foul in the penalty box giving the Red Devils a foul kick from the right side of the goal. Adam Young made the pass to Thompson who was wide open for the score.

Spanish Fork answered in the 62nd minute when Dave Garcia took control of a 50-50 ball and put in a shot that was deflected but barely had enough steam to cross the goal line and tie the score.

From that point both teams had chances, but no one could put the ball in the back of the net.

"I don't feel good about it," said Springville coach Chris Wright. "It's a little frustrating when we play that hard and then come away with a tie, especially when we had so many chances."

Springville's best chance came in the 82nd minute when Nathan Teuscher's 30-yard free kick bounced hard off the cross bar.

Earlier, the Dons had a pair of scoring opportunities. In the 64th minute Habtamu Cardon had a breakaway shot attempt but Red Devils' keeper Casey Cropper managed to deflect the ball away and allowed his defense to clear.

Cardon also had a chance to score in the 41st minute on another breakaway but his shot sailed high of the goal.

In the 74th minute Cropper made a diving save on Garcia's 20-yard free kick.

The Dons had struggled earlier in the year but are carrying some momentum after beating region-leader Timpview last week.

"I thought we saw one of our better teams today," said Atuaia. "In my opinion there's nobody we can't beat, it just depends on what team shows up that day. We're struggling a little bit finishing."