Hopkinsville had trouble generating consistent scoring opportunities at Saturday’s Boots and Butts Classic at the Stadium of Champions and left with an 0-2 mark for the day.
After a 7-0 loss to Danville in the opener, the Tiger defense was on point for most of its match with Franklin County, who beat Christian County 4-1 earlier in the day.
“We were getting the looks, but we just aren’t getting the finishes like we’ve had. We’re just not seeing the shots fall where we need them to,” head coach Aaron Hutchison said. “We have to finish better.”
Hutchison did like what he saw from his team after the blowout loss to Danville in the opener, responding with the two-goal loss to Danville.
“We stepped up and covered the space better and covered the open man – something we’ve been preaching to them all year,” Hutchison said.
It’s been a rough stretch for Hopkinsville, who scored four goals in early wins over Fort Campbell and Logan County. However, injuries to a handful of players and the loss of two starters for off-the-field issues have seen the Tigers score just three goals during a six-game losing streak.
“We need to do a better job of pressing up front on defense and nailing down our passes on offense. We have far too many turnovers, which has actually plagued us the past two years. We need to hold on to the ball better,” Hutchison said.
Hopkinsville (2-7) will host Caldwell County on Tuesday and entertain Webster County on Thursday.
Franklin County 2 Hopkinsville 0
The Flyers were able to control possession throughout, holding a 19-1 advantage on shots.
Hoptown goalie Raul Rivera was on point with seven saves in the first half before leaving with an injury.
Franklin County got first half goals from 7 and 27 in a two-minute stretch that was all the scoring they would need.
Danville 7 Hopkinsville 0
Danville scored five goals in the second half to pull away from Hopkinsville for the 7-0 win in Saturday’s opener for both clubs.
Fox Spears scored three of Danville’s first four goals to claim the hat trick.
Abel Goodwin scored twice and Alex Finke and Tyler Clarkson each had a tally. Sasha Wade had a pair of assists.
Spears and Goodwin – both seniors – have 11 of Danville’s 18 goals this season.
It was the first game against a Second Region school in over 25 years for Danville, who returned to Boyle County with a 4-2 record.
