Webster Schroeder scored in the second half to tie Gates Chili in the boys soccer opener on Friday morning at Gates Chili High School stadium.
The Warriors dominated play in the first half as they had the wind to their backs. Schroeder fired about 10 shots while the Spartans managed only a couple on the Warrior sophomore goalie Andy Siviy.
"We came out very tentative for some reason, which was disappointing," said Gates Chili coach Jason Picardo. "We talked about coming out hard and strong because we're a little bit older than the Webster side. We didn't do that, which was surprising.
"Credit to Webster, they moved the ball around well for a young group. They came out very composed. We got beat at the midfield a lot. We madea couple of changes and I think that solidified some things and we started to move the ball around well then."
In the second half, the Spartans took the lead on a direct kick by senior Joe Plummer that junior Eric stevenson headed home about 10 minutes into play.
"I think we were a little bit surprised at how much the wind did effect the first half," Picardo said.
Schroeder scored the equalizer 15 minutes later on a blast by junior Jonathon Malecki, after he hit the left post six minutes earlier.
"The wind played a bit of a factor today, not so much in overtime as during the game," said Schroeder coach Dave Urbanski. "In the first half we controlled possession.
"We played hard. We didn't start the morning off too well. My starting sweeper, Kyle Cole, and my starting right back, Andy Stein, both woke up sick. Guys stepped up and no one hung their heads."
The coach added, "We got a goal down, first game away, they dug in deep and stayed composed. After that, I think we took it to them.
"I know what we need to work on. We've got to get better on the finishing end. I can't be disappointed with the first game. We got our legs beneath us with some fitness, 100 minutes."
Spartan junior goalies Jeremy Brtula and Jordan Kerr combined for seven saves.
"The difference betwwen this year and last year is that last year we would have been excited with a tie, and this year it feels like a loss," Picardo said. "The expectations are high for us this year.
"It's sectional points, which are always good."
