Bulldogs Blank Hornets in Boys' Soccer Action

The Brighton Bulldogs scored twice early in the first half and hung on to shutout host Saline, 2-0 Saturday afternoon.

Dylan Johnson and Alex Chwalibog scored for the Bulldogs.

John Grant recorded the shutout for Brighton.

Johnson's goal came on a combination play outside the top of the box. Jordan Messic passed to Chad Barribeau, who played it through for Johnson, who booted it home.

The second goal was similar. Barribeau set up Chwalibog, who put a well placed ball past the Hornets' goalie Kyler Jacobs.

"I thought our defensive organization was our strength in this game," said Brighton coach Rob Williams. "We didn't give them much."

Saline coach Dana Restrick said defensive breakdowns cost her team early.

"I don't think we were mentally prepared to play this game. We gave up those early goals and just couldn't come back," Restrick said.

The Hornets owned the first 15 minutes of the second half. Saline's Devin O'Neil went crashing into the Bulldog goalie on two occasions, but couldn't put the ball past him.

"I liked the way we responded to start the second half. But we need to pressure that way and play that way the entire game," Restrick said.

Williams said his team expected a Saline push in the second half.

"We knew that down two at home, they'd come out strong and we knew we had to survive that and build from there," Williams said. "I thought we played a strong game today."

The Hornets are home Tuesday to Tecumseh. The game starts at 7 p.m.