NORWICH – Valley Heights boys soccer hosted Oswego Tuesday evening at Weiler Park. With the first game between these two teams ending in a 1-1 draw, both teams looked for a league win. But the stakes were higher for Valley Heights.

Winning would lock up second place in the league and allow the Crusaders to host home playoff game.

A highly contested match right from the start, both teams had opportunities denied by two goalkeepers who were in good form.

Brock Stickney and Kaden Stickney were both consistently testing the VHCA defense the entire game but the Crusaders defense and goalkeep didn’t give in, allowing no goals in the contest for the Royals.

Midfielder Alex Evans led the VHCA the attack as he launched 12 shots towards the goal with his foot.

Five minutes before intermission, Oswego was pressing offensively when VHCA centerback Aidan Lowie stole the ball and sent a pass through the Royals defense. Teammate Jason Graham was fastest to the ball and carried it towards goal. He then fired a low placed shot to the left of the Oswego goalkeeper. The ball rolled past and into the net for the 1-0 lead.