On Tuesday, the Hazard boys’ soccer team hosted the Jackson City Tigers. The momentum of the contest swung back and forth throughout the game, and when the final whistle blew, nothing was settled as the game ended in a 3-all tie.

Jackson City opened the game with an early goal. The Tigers then followed that with several unsuccessful shots. With about 10 minutes gone in the half, Hazard’s defense began to tighten.

With the improved defense, the Bulldogs began to pick up the pace on the offensive end as well. As time was running down in the half, Alex Jolly cut down the left sideline and dropped the ball into the box to a streaking Willie Oden. Oden quickly beat the Tiger goalie to the ball for the score (it was Oden’s first career goal). The 1-1 score carried through to the break.

Jackson City went back on top early in the second half, but Hazard clawed its way back with a goal. Gary Kilburn picked up a loose ball at midfield and ran through the Jackson City defense to beat the goal with a shot to the bottom corner of the net (2-2).

Moments later, Jackson City regained the advantage. Hazard scrambled to change the tempo of the game, and inserted Stephanie Tom from the girls’ team into the lineup.

Tom’s presence picked up the pace for the Bulldogs, and before time could expire, Hazard had their tying goal. Willie Oden snagged the ball after a mad scramble in the box and collected his second goal of the game.

The whistle soon sounded, ending the game in a tie 3-all.

Hazard stats

Willie Oden 2 goals, Alex Jolly 1 assist and Gary Kilburn 1 goal.