Lions blank Commerce in soccer match
February 25, 2009

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE -- Ryan Wilhelm scored a hat trick to help the Greenville Lions to a 5-0 victory over Commerce in District 20-4A soccer on Tuesday night at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium.

Greenville grabbed a 3-0 lead in the first half and then cruised in the second half to stay undefeated in district play at 4-0-1. The Lions are now 7-5-3 for the season.

Commerce dropped to 5-7-2 and 0-4-1.

Wilhelm wasted little time putting the Lions on the scoreboard only three minutes into the contest.

He scored goal number two with 10 minutes remaining in the first half off an assist from Chris Gutierrez.

Luis Serrato made it 3-0 on a goal with 8:31 left before halftime.

Greenville went most of the second half without scoring before Freddy Ramirez headed in a pass from Ramon Alvarez with 4:33 remaining.

Wilhelm scored his third goal and the game’s final one with 2:03 left. The junior headed in a pass from Christian Zaquez.

Commerce goalkeeper Devin Felts saved 10 shots as Greenville wound up with 15 shots on goal and 25 total shots.

Greenville goalkeeper Matt Mouer managed two saves before resting during the final three minutes. Francisco Quezadas took over goalkeeping duties for Greenville.

Greenville coach Jeff Crank said the Lions did not play well in the second half.

“I thought we relaxed a little too much the second half,” he said.