The Magnolia Blue Eagle boys soccer team lost a 3-1 heart-breaker at the New Martinsville Hydro Dam, Oct. 15 in their last regular season game.

Although the Eagles lost the game, the Eagles played one of their best all-around performances of the year defensively as well as offensively. Magnolia had several chances to score in the second half, but Big Red was there to put a halt to any opportunity the Eagles had, except one. The one was a goal by freshman Chase Cain. With the Blue Eagles Trevor Long challenged the Big Red goal keeper on a shot from 18 yards out. His riffling shot went through a wall of defenders as well as the keeper, but Cain came out of nowhere to tap it in with his left foot for the lone Eagle tally.

Blue Eagle keeper Michael Jones was in the mud most of the first half, and knocked away about 20 shots. In the second half Jones wasn’t as active as the Blue Eagle midfield worked their magic and kept the ball on the Big Red side for the better part of the second half.

“The boys responded well to a good bunch of talented upper classmen from Steubenville,” said MHS Head Coach Matt Quinet. “The team played one of the best games of the season and we hope to continue that Wednesday when we open the Sectionals with Morgantown Trinity. Jones was outstanding in the net, as were Long and Cain on the field.”

“Jason Long and Daniel Mateer played as well as one could despite the weather,” added Quinet. “Our defense and midfielders played extremely well in the second half. Our passing had a purpose and we tackled the best we have all season. I don’t know if it was because of the weather or not, but if it was, I hope it’s muddy all the time when we play.”

Magnolia will travel to Morgantown to clash with Trinity to open up the sectionals at 5 p.m. today.