Freedom boys soccer’s 11-0 win over Ellwood City was a night to remember for Blaine Smith – The Times

FREEDOM For most players, regular-season blowout victories against over-matched opponents arent the most memorable. That wasnt the case for Blaine Smith on Monday night.

In Freedom Area High School's11-0 win over Ellwood City, Smith a scrawny freshman forward sporting thick-framed black goggles scored his first varsity goal. Coming into the match with very little experience playing organized soccer, it was a special moment when Smith found the back of the net with a little over 15 minutes left in the contest.

It just felt incredible, he said with a smile stretched across his face. The best feeling Ive ever had.

The Bulldogs built a nine-goallead versus the Wolverines before the first half even came to a close. Thats when head coach Phil Pawlowski knew it was time to give Smith a crack at scoring. Blaine is scoring before anyone else does, he told his players during a halftime huddle.

Though it didnt happen exactly how he drew it up (freshman midfielder Joe Castelli scored the teams 10th goal before Smith drilled No. 11), Pawlowski was glad to see Smith rewarded for the work hes put in so far.

Smiths teammates were pumped, too.

Almost every player on Freedoms sideline jumped off the bench and shouted in celebration when Smith put the finishing touches on their rout of Ellwood City.Players on the field hugged and high-fived their teammate.

Its awesome, said sophomore midfielder Dylan Scheel. Last year was a great feeling getting my first goal, so its really good for him.

Monday was also Smiths first game back since he hurt his left knee two weeks ago in practice. So, Pawlowski was hesitant at first to put the freshman in the game.

But being able to make an impact on the Bulldogs win was especially gratifying for Smith coming off an injury.

Sure, two other freshmen Castelli and defender Brodie Falk also scored. Smiths goal was different, though. Going from just kicking around in his backyard to putting points on the board in about a month or so was certainly an accomplishment worth celebrating.

When the ovation from the crowd on Monday was noticeably louder than it had been for any of the other Bulldogs goals, it was obvious the night belonged to Smith. He was the star of the show.

And even though it was a role he wasnt all too familiar with, Smith still took time to bask in the spotlight.

I appreciate everyone coming out here, he said. It just felt amazing.

Contact Parth Upadhyaya at pupadhyaya@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @pupadhyaya_.

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Freedom boys soccer's 11-0 win over Ellwood City was a night to remember for Blaine Smith - The Times