Northern Colorado FC finally got back into the win column after struggling the last several weeks.
The Hailstorm (2-12, 8 points) defeated One Knoxville (2-3-2, 8 points), 2-1, in its road match on Saturday.
“Three points on the road anywhere, no matter how you get it, is great,” said Hailstorm coach Éamon Zayed.
The team got out to a slow start. Zayed said he wasn’t sure if it was from having the previous week off, but it ultimately responded.
Neither team scored in the first half, despite both squads combining for 13 shot attempts. The two shots on target came from Northern Colorado defenders, including captain Rob Cornwall, but they were saved.
Forward Trevor Amann, once again, came up clutch for the Hailstorm. He scored the team’s first goal in the 53rd minute, bumping a header into the top of the net after a pass from defender Arthur Rogers.
That was his third goal of the season after scoring two in the team’s game at Union Omaha. He leads the team in goals and has stepped up in Irvin Parra’s medical absence .
“The more goals you score the more confidence you get as a striker,” Amann said. “(I’m) finally finding my form, and I have Arthur who gives me great crosses, easy finishes.”
Newcomer Billy King scored his first goal in a Hailstorm uniform in the 58th minute.
Knoxville managed to get on the board in the 66th minute after a penalty kick. Officials called defender Brecc Evans for a handball.
Despite giving up the goal, the Hailstorm limited Knoxville’s chances through the final minutes to secure the road win.
Four Hailstorm players received league recognition for their efforts in the contest.
Amann earned his second consecutive Team of the Week honor, while Cornwall earned his second of the season.
Cornwall won 82% of his duels and four fouls. He also picked up four recoveries, three clearances and two interceptions.
Rogers and King were named “bench” players in the Team of the Week for their contributions. Rogers created three chances and earned his second assist of the season.
The Hailstorm returns to play at 6 p.m. Thursday when it faces Forward Madison on the road.
This article was originally published in Greeley Tribune