Oxford wastes no time in dispatching Hazel Park
QUICK STRIKE: Oxford's Paul tomaka laces this cornerkick during the Wildcats' 8-0 shutout Wednesday over Hazel Park. Courtesy Photo | Kirk Bearse, www.catsdenphoto.com
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
OXFORD — With the OAA realigning division in boys soccer before the start of the season, Oxford has found itself in the OAA Blue Division after a ninth-place showing in the OAA White Division last season.
The Wildcats also find themselves as one of the favorites. Oxford made believers out of Hazel Park Wednesday night,
The Wildcats beat the Vikings in all phases of the game and cruised to a mercy-shortened 8-0 triumph in Oxford’s first soccer game played on the school’s new turf field.
Dating back to Oxford’s inaugural season in 1982, home games have been played over at the old Pontiac Street Stadium.
“This was a nice way to break in the new field in terms of soccer,” said 10th-year head coach John Thaler. “I know that Hazel Park is really young. They played mostly freshmen and sophomores. But you always want to remember your first game on a new field with a win.”
Oxford led 4-0 in the 11th minute built an insurmountable 6-0 lead in the first 20 minutes.
Sophomore Chase Garavaglia scored in the fifth minute, which not only proved to be the game-winner but opened the floodgates for Oxford (2-1-1, 2-1-0).
Garavaglia netted the natural hat trick to pace the Wildcats. Marco Bongfiglio had a goal and three assists, Mike Kitchner chipped in with two goals, including a free kick from 25 yards out, and both Alex Juntti and Travis Simat added single tallies for Oxford.
“It was a nice game for Chase, scoring the natural hat trick. We’re trying to develop some confidence in some of the younger guys,” said Thaler.
“We’ve been getting solid play from Michael Kitchner, especially on his free kicks. He put in another one from about 25 yards out,” continued Thaler. “Alex Jutti, our sweeper, has been really solid. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.
“I took out most of the starters about 20 minutes into the game and gave the younger guys a chance,” offered Thaler. “It’s nice to have a league game and still be able to do that. Plus, everyone got a chance to play on the new turf in our first game here.”
Hazel Park slipped to 0-5-0 overall and in league play.
Oxford will host the Oxford Invitational Saturday, where Goodrich, Clarkston, Ortonville Brandon, Lake Orion and Midland Dow will come to town for an all-day tournament. Games will begin at 9 a.m. and be played at both Oxford High School and the Pontiac Street Stadium.
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Category: High School (M-Z), Oxford, Prep Wraps
