SWEETWATER, Tenn. | Oneida got the soccer season started with a 4-1 road win at Sweetwater on opening day.
The score was identical to the Indians’ home win over the Wildcats in last year’s season-opening matchup.
Monday’s game saw the Indians lead 4-0 before Sweetwater scored late on a penalty kick.
It was a 2-0 game at the half before a pair of Nick Gilbert goals widened the advantage to 4-0 early in the second half.
Mason Keeton scored first off an assist by Levi James, followed by an unassisted goal by Luke Barna to give the Indians the 2-0 halftime advantage.
James assisted both of Gilbert’s second half goals.
“We played on a very short and narrow field due to (Sweetwater) needing lights and it definitely had an impact on the game,” Oneida coach Derek Keeton said. “That being said, our defense was very solid, and their only score came after we began substituting.
“The defense limited Sweetwater to very few quality shots.”
Gavin Keeton finished with seven saves in the goal.
Oneida had 25 shots on goal.
“We were able to generate several scoring opportunities, but with a short and narrow field we missed many opportunities due to too much weight on the passes,” Keeton said.
The game was a region preview. The Wildcats could potentially be a team the Indians face in the postseason, depending on how the district tournaments pan out.
“It was good to go into the other district, which will be playing in our region, and get a road victory to start the season,” Keeton said.
