Tigers blank Columbus

Friday, September 14, 2012
Fort Scott's Roger Rodriguez blasts a shot by -- not into -- the face of Columbus' Aaron Bigando during the first half of play at Ellis Park Thursday afternoon. Rodriguez scored the Tigers' first goal on a penalty kick as Fort Scott went on to a 2-0 victory. (Kenny Felt/Special to the Tribune)

Fort Scott High School goalkeeper Brett Allen was, for the most part, a lonely man Thursday afternoon.

Allen had few challenges during the Tigers' 2-0 victory over Columbus at Ellis Park. The Titans failed to get off a single shot against him. The closest Allen came to any action would be the few occasions a long pass would bounce in front of him. The closest thing Columbus got to a shot on goal came late in the game but Allen smothered the ball before a Titan could get a foot on it.

Cool temperatures greeted the players but it was the strong north wind that may have frustrated Columbus as much as Fort Scott's defense did. In the first half, the Tigers were able to control play and break up Titan passes. In the second half, Columbus struggled to get the ball upfield against the wind, even on low line-drive kicks.

Roger Rodriguez, who scored both goals in the Tigers' victory at Independence Monday, scored the first goal of Wednesday's match on a penalty kick in just the second minute of play after a Columbus player was called for a handball inside the 18-yard box.

The second goal was scored by Austin Rogers in the 51st minute after he picked up a bouncing ball to the left of the Columbus goalkeeper.

The Tigers (3-2) got off 32 shots against Columbus goalkeeper Cody Spainhoward, who made 10 saves.

Fort Scott has a busy week next week. The Tigers host Spring Hill Monday then go to Pittsburg Tuesday.


Team statsColumbusFort Scott
Total Shots032
Shots on goal012
Saves100
Fouls47
Cautions00
Corner kicks06
Offsides00

Goalkeepers

L -- Cody Spainhoward (10 saves). FS -- Brett Allen (0 saves).

Scoring

FS -- Rodriguez (penalty kick), 2nd miniute.

FS -- Rogers (unassisted), 51st minute.