Kokomo Athletics

The Kokomo Wildkats traveled to conference foe Lafayette Jefferson Thursday night and dropped a tough, physical game to the hosts 5-1. The loss leaves the Kats winless in conference play. The Bronchos struck first on a penalty kick and a free kick for a 2-0 lead, but the Kats were competing. Though having limited possession, the Kats were in the game going into halftime. Early in the second half, the Bronchos scored a third goal off a free kick that the Wildkats failed to clear from the penalty area. Moments later, senior Adrian Reyes’s free kick landed just over the Broncho back line where junior striker Adam Sarota ran onto the ball and nearly scored. The Broncho goalkeeper fouled him in the box, and senior midfielder Enzo Beber Zemberlan calmly struck a penalty to bring the Kats closer at 3-1. However, the Bronchos responded with a fourth goal to increase their lead moments later. After going down 4-1, the Wildkats created a few more scoring chances. Junior winger Braedyn Booker made a nice diagonal run into the box where a nicely clipped ball landed at his feet. He accelerated, beat his mark, and was tripped from behind as he struck the ball. The ball rolled out of play. However, the officials botched the entire play; instead of sending the Broncho defender off with a red card and awarding a penalty kick, the officials gave the hosts a goal kick. The Bronchos scored once more to close the scoring at 5-1. The Wildkats (2-7-1, 0-3-0) are off until they host Logansport Tuesday in a non-conference showdown. Your men of the match are senior co-captain and keeper Alan Lopez and senior co-captain and center back Adrian Reyes. Junior Varsity In the junior varsity match, the Wildkats dramatically improved from their previous performance and held the Bronchos scoreless. The Wildkats (2-4-1, 1-1-1) played the hosts evenly in the first half, but in the second half, the Bronchos applied tremendous pressure. Sophomore keeper Daniil Titov made several athletic reaction saves to preserve the tie, and he is your man of the match.