FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Chelsea High School boys soccer team began area play March 7 with a 5-1 home victory over rival Thompson.

However, it was Thompson who drew scored first. At the 27:47 mark in the first half, Chelsea had a unable to clear the ball in its own box, and Thompson’s Andrew Mizell was there to gather the loose ball and punch it in for the first goal.

Chelsea responded with the equalizer just over a minute later when Chelsea midfielder Taylor Martindale got around two Thompson defenders and launched a low driving shot that was batted away by Thompson keeper Sam Posey only to be punched in on a follow-up by Chelsea midfielder Will Bevill.

About five minutes later, Martindale worked some more magic as he beat several Thompson players before getting fouled about 25 yards out. Again Martindale took a low driving shot that was knocked away only to be punched in on a follow-up chance. This time Chelsea defender Josh Hutchens finished the play with his first goal of the season, and Chelsea led 2-1.

Later in the half, Chelsea struck again as right midfielder Cody Hood sent a pass to forward Kalani Dickinson, who turned with the ball and volleyed and arching shot that landed in the inside netting of the opposite corner of the goal. Chelsea led 3-1 at the half.

In the second half, Chelsea gained more momentum as they held the lead. When 27:11 remianing, sophomore defender Jake Cespedes took a free kick from 33 yards out, and he hit a driving dart of a shot that dipped over the Thompson keeper just under the cross bar giving Chelsea a commanding 4-1 margin.

Finally, with 6:30 left, Martindale stole the ball about 40 yards out on the left flank, dribbled up the field, cut across the field, and ripped a beautiful shot into the right side of the goal from 20 yards out to give Chelsea its final 5-1 tally.

Chelsea improved its record to 7-2-1 (1-0 in area), while Thompson fell to 5-5-1 (1-1 in area).