Ankeny Centennial sophomore goalkeeper Reece Frazell got an unexpected start Friday against the Norwalk boys’ soccer team.
Centennial’s No. 1 goalkeeper, senior Jonathon Stockwell, suffered an injury during pregame warmups. Frazell was forced into action and helped the visiting Jaguars to a 2-0 victory in the non-conference game.
“I don’t know how bad (Stockwell’s) injury is yet, but he did not play,” said Centennial coach Brian Duax. “I wanted to get Reece some experience earlier in the year, but he jammed a finger the first weekend so he couldn’t get some time in. But he rose to the occasion and played really well (on Friday).”
Centennial’s defensive unit played a huge role in the win, limiting the Warriors to just a few shots. Frazell was credited with three saves.
“Norwalk was dangerous on set pieces and counter-attacks,” Duax said. “But that was about it.”
The Jaguars scored the only goal they needed about 16 minutes into the game. Emmanuel Reichart got his second goal of the season off an assist by Michael Poitry.
Centennial then added an insurance goal about 11 minutes later, when Ben Tullis converted off a pass from Andrew Heckenliable.
Both teams are now 2-2 on the season.
“It’s always good to battle against a decent Norwalk team that was really disciplined and really athletic,” Duax said.
The Jaguars will host Southeast Polk (1-0) on Tuesday before traveling to Urbandale (1-3) on Friday.