Lyon Leads Rebels to Big Win

Throughout his career at Howell, Drew Lyon has shown the ability to carry the team on his back.

The senior captain did just that, literally, Thursday afternoon.

Lyon tallied a hat trick for the Rebels boys soccer team, most notably scoring his first goal when a shot off the foot of Randy Stout ricocheted off Lyon’s back, taking a direct path to the near post and into the net. With that as the starting point, Howell beat Manasquan, 3-0, at home.

“Drew [Lyon] is a nice player on this team,” Howell head coach Rich Yuro said, “He stepped up today, Chris Hill made a few very unselfish plays and created opportunities.”

Despite controlling the pace of the game, the Rebels found themselves clinging to a 1-0 lead at half, with a number of chances that they did not connect on.

Jeremy Hoops and Lyon were dominant early for Howell, although neither could seem to find the back on the net in the opening minutes. Lyon put a header over the crossbar on a corner kick, which was followed by Hoops creating a turnover in the 18-yard box, but boomed his kick over the net, as well.

Hoops headed a ball just wide of net, minutes later, when Nick Anello fed him a ball from the corner. Anello then fed Lyon across the 18-yard box, but Lyon was late to the ball and flipped over the goalie.

Later, Lyon made a beautiful cross through the box, but the pass slid through the legs of Tommy Cafiero and out-of-bounds.

“It was frustrating because that’s what we did last year and previous years,” Yuro said, “Last year we were dominant, but we couldn’t find ways to finish. You don’t want to dwell on the past too much but that’s why we were frustrated.”

Lyon dropped a pass back to Stout, who blasted his right-footed shot off Lyon’s back and into the net, just over 15 minutes into the game.

Lyon gave the Rebels a two-goal advantage in the second half when he took possession of the ball, dribbled in and ripped a shot to the right post. The captain added to his impressive day 1:08 later, when he buried Anello’s cross with the side of his foot into the net.

“We have four or five players who can put this team on their back,” Yuro said, “When you play smart, simple soccer, you’re going to be in a position to win. We just needed to knock the ball around and make smart passes.”

Hill had an impressive day up top, along with Hoops, as Howell put the pressure on the Big Blue Warriors all game long.

Anello provided the Rebels with an offensive spark, as well, creating a number of chances for Howell.

The Rebels next game will be on Monday, Sept. 19 at home against Christian Brothers Academy. That game will start at 3:45 p.m.