Bombers battle in miserable conditions, but bow out to Bees

The old Johnny Carson “It was so cold today ...” bit was a perfect summation of Kenston’s Division I sectional final Oct. 20 at Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

It was so cold that cars lined the driveway by the high school and watched the match from there instead.

And as far as the 80 from the Bombers’ point of view, Carson’s Carnac would have had a field day: “A penalty kick, a classy strike just before halftime and an opposing side that possesses beautifully ...”

Name three things that will end your 2018 campaign.

Kenston hung in there during a miserable weather night, but couldn’t generate the breakthrough it required in a 3-0 loss.

The Bees (10-2-5) got a brace from Mario Abou Mitri, with bookend goals in each half. The Bombers bow out at 8-7-3.

Kenston coach Josh Sladick lauded his side’s workrate, especially in the back led by senior central defender Jack Roman.

“The 80 overall, first and foremost I thought my defense played well given the circumstances,” Sladick said. “We knew their leader in the attack, Mario, we knew he was a force to be reckoned with.

“Overall, their attack was great, but I thought we definitely showed up and showed we can compete with them. I don’t think the scoreline truly shows the gravity of the game and how close it was I’ll say.”

Brecksville generated 10 shots on target and eight corners. The Bees grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute, when Matt Sendrey slotted from the spot after a penalty kick was awarded for a tackle on the end line.

The Bombers nearly got it to halftime down, 1-0, but Abou Mitri delivered a right-footed piledriver from distance in the 38th minute.

“That second goal was class,” Sladick said. “The way we were shirt-tight with him, and he was able to get the ball from out underneath his feet and put one past us was a great shot.”

Ryan Tien had Kenston’s best chance of the match in the 43rd minute with a right-footed bender from the edge of the box, but it was nicely turned away by Bees goalkeeper Zach Bahr.

Abou Mitri finished off his brace in the 49th with a tap-in from the left side of the box for the final margin.

With the facility manager ready to close up the stadium, Sladick and his side stayed in their locker room for nearly a half-hour postmatch. It was important to Sladick, with six seniors in the starting 11 and 12 on the roster, to express his appreciation.

“These seniors will be missed,” Sladick said. “This year is not addition by subtraction. It is very much subtraction. So we need to do a great job in the offseason and try to fill those roles.”

High school scoreboard

“I don’t think the scoreline truly shows the gravity of the game and how close it was I’ll say.”