Hazard takes Region 56 title

Hazard capped play Sunday in the AYSO Region 56 boys’ under-14

Division playoffs by edging the Electric Popsicles, 1-0, in a

championship match that required overtime.

A few minutes into the extra session, Hazard’s Jeff Meigs brought

the ball down wide on the left side of the field and served a cross

to mid-fielder Liam Powers, who took the ball up the middle and put

it into the net for the game-winning score.

Despite a regular season marred by injuries -- including the loss

of stopper Adrian Becker to a broken wrist for much of the season --

Hazard still managed to finish the regular season with the division’s

best record. They stumbled, but survived in postseason play, reached

the championship match and knocked off an Electric Popsicles team

that had reached the title game unbeaten.

Hazard missed several shots on goal early in the final, with

attempts by mid-fielder Liam Powers and forwards Jeff Meigs, David

Taylor and Gerardo Galvez missing the mark.

Defensive play dictated the remainder of the match. Meigs, Becker,

Matt Sobek, Blake Hihara, Josh Hinkle, Danny Reynolds and Brian

Corson keyed the Hazard defense. Kyle Babbitt, with several

fourth-quarter saves, and Chris Shklanko, teamed at keeper to keep an

Electric Popsicle squad that had exploded for 16 goals in two, previous playoff games, off the scoreboard.

Travis Colesen gave another all-around performance for Hazard.

The outstanding play of Brent Meschuck and Michael Kuehn in the

field, and Justin Whitt in goal, keyed the Electric Popsicles’ drive

to the division final.

Hazard will represent Region 56 in the upcoming playoffs.