Eagles start quick, blast Springfield

Will Stewart scores three to lead Arlington.

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Eagles start quick, blast Springfield Stewart scores three to lead Arlington By Adam Samrov POSTED: 09/29/2016 10:14:04 PM EDT Arlington’s Ryan Frank tries to outrace a Springfield defender. Arlington's Ryan Frank tries to outrace a Springfield defender. (BENNINGTON BANNER) ARLINGTON >> After an uncharacteristic loss in the opening round of the John Werner Tournament on Tuesday against Twin Valley, Arlington boys soccer coach Todd Wilkins was firm — his Eagles would learn from the loss. In Thursday's consolation matchup with Springfield, Will Stewart scored 37 seconds into the game and ended up with a hat trick as they took third place with a 4-1 win. "We played a very good first half from start to finish," Wilkins said. "We continued to play good defense and limit their chances to almost none. We had a few things to work on but in terms of a first half, it went well." The Eagles continue its relentless pressure and doubled the lead in the 16th minute. Jared Lacoste floated a ball on frame that just got over the outstretched fingers of the Springfield keeper for a 2-0 advantage. Six minutes later, Stewart had his second score of the night, heading in a free kick from Alex Paustian to up the Eagles' lead to 3-0. "[Will] worked his tail off tonight, he kept his eye on the ball and the goal, he had another header that just missed [later in the second half]," Williams said. "Tonight was his night to lead the teams and the offense." Eight minutes into the second half, Stewart finished off the hat trick with a goal to make it 4-0 and salt the victory away. Advertisement Lost a bit in the shuffle is senior captain Alex Paustian, who after playing in the midfield or forward spots for three years has moved back to the center back spot. "Alex has been phenomenal, moving back was a huge change and he's put the team ahead of himself. We need the senior leaders to do that, it's completely different when he's back there," Wilkins said. "The way he positions himself, clears the ball, he's really embraced that position." Arlington Ryan Frank goes for possession during the consolation game of the John Werner tournament. Arlington Ryan Frank goes for possession during the consolation game of the John Werner tournament. (BENNINGTON BANNER) Springfield scored a few minutes later past Arlington goalie Bailey Cross to avert the shutout. Tonight, Twin Valley and Otter Valley will face off in the finals of the tournament. Twin Valley is coming in with a unbeaten 7-0 mark. "We have Twin Valley again on Wednesday at their place," Wilkins said. "We'll see how it goes."