An Isaac Schafer hat trick lifted Seymour over the Whiteland Warriors on Saturday.

Despite the 4-0 final score, the early stages of the match were controlled by Whiteland. The Warriors started the game well, creating a handful of chances that were comfortably handled by the Owls’ sophomore shot-stopper Will Smith.

Seymour’s first half was poorly executed, only creating one real scoring opportunity. The chance came when junior Kevin Cervantes collected the ball in midfield. Cervantes looked up and found captain Cameron Cox, who played a quick give-and-go with strike partner Isaac Schafer. The ball came back to Cox around the penalty spot, but his shot didn’t trouble the keeper.

The game remained tied until halftime.

The second half was much improved from the Owls. Despite being out-possessed by Whiteland, Seymour was clinical when given an attacking chance.

The breakthrough came via captain Schafer. Led by Schafer, the Owls’ high press had been causing the Warriors problems throughout the match. Finally, it paid off. Whiteland defender Maverick Smith’s first touch was heavy, and Schafer pounced. He won the ball, took a touch, and placed the ball in the bottom right corner of the net.

Seymour struck again just nine minutes later. An injury resulted in a Seymour free kick, which was taken by junior Gabe Baker. The ball found the head of Schafer who headed the ball down to Cox. The two captains combined on a pass through the back line. Schafer’s speed proved to be the deciding factor, beating Whiteland goalkeeper Nolan Ferguson to the ball. He calmly took a touch around the keeper and knocked the ball into the net, doubling the Owls’ lead.

The goals did not stop there, however. After just two minutes, Seymour scored again.

Sophomore Sotaro Miyagawa gathered the ball on the left wing. The sophomore dribbled past one defender before getting to the end line and picking out the late run of junior Donovyn Thomas. The ball was met by the strong right leg of Thomas about 18 yards from net. A rocket, the shot flew just under the crossbar, past the goalkeeper, and put the Owls up by a score of 3-0.

The Owls remained hungry for more despite their hefty lead. The opportunity came with 11 minutes to go. A cross came in off of a free kick from Baker. The cross was deflected and bounced up into the hand of Whiteland striker JD Lompo. The ref awarded the Owls with a penalty kick.

The decision was easy; Schafer would take the penalty for the Owls. After a tremendous second half performance, he stepped up and scored the penalty to complete his hat trick.

Seymour (1-1-1) plays again on Thursday, August 27 away at Bloomington North (1-2-1).