Fans were treated to quite a comeback at West Union High School Friday night when it looked like the Peebles boys soccer team had wrapped up a victory against the West Union Dragons, but a furious comeback made sure the two teams left the field with a draw.

Chances came early in the game for both teams as Peebles threatened first with a cross from senior Brennan Sims which was bobbled by the West Union goalkeeper but the eventual shot was hit over the crossbar, ending the threat.

West Union came back three minutes later when a pass from junior Tyler Swearingen to junior Andre Wolke also didn’t find the back of the net when the ball was struck over the bar.

Peebles continued their pressure minutes later with a corner kick that found the head of Sims, but once again the ball went over the goal, keeping the deadlock in place.

Offensive frustration was still ongoing when a West Union corner kick by Wolke was struck well to the back post but no teammate was able to get a head on it, preserving the stalemate.

With just under 10 minutes left in the first half, a West Union free kick was controlled by Peebles and a pass to Sims put him into space. Sims was able to strike it well and put the Indians up 1-0.

About two minutes later Sims struck again when a West Union throw-in backfired. Junior Cody Patrick threw the ball to junior Ethan Thompson and Sims applied pressure immediately, leading to Thompson turning the ball over and giving Sims an easy one-on-one with the goalie, who had little chance to stop the shot and it was quickly 2-0 Peebles.

“[Thompson] called for the ball and I was like I’m going to make him work for it and some how he missed a volley so I got control and I was inside the box so I just had to place it to put in the back of the net and that’s what I did,” Sims said describing his second goal.

West Union nearly responded three minutes before halftime when a free kick from about 30 yards out by Swearingen just missed the post and the teams eventually went to the intermission with the score 2-0 Peebles.

West Union showed no signs of rolling over early in the second half when five minutes in a throw-in deep in Peebles territory led freshman Nathan Greene past the Peebles defense and into the box. Greene put a shot on goal but it was right at the goalkeeper, ending the threat.

At the 23:30 mark the West Union goalkeeper was called or a hand ball, just outside of the box as he came out too far to claim a long ball. The free kick was taken by Sims, who was looking for a teammate at the far post but the pass just missed.

Peebles continued to threaten with the lead when at about 19:00 a shot from the right of the box bent well towards the top corner but the keeper was able to jump and make a claim to it.

From that point on though, West Union caught fire. Over the course of the final quarter 15 minutes, Greene scored twice to stun the Indians, send his teammates into a frenzy, and save what looked to be a lost game.

Sims said fatigue began to set in for Peebles towards the end of the match, which only aided West Union’s final onslaught on their goal.

“It was like we just gave up,” Sims said. “We were so tired. Having three games in one week is killer for us at least.”

Reach Charles Grove at 937-544-2391 or cgrove@civitasmedia.com.

West Union junior Ethan Thompson battles with Peebles sophomore Bostin Robinson as West Union sophomore Chase Cummings looks on.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_IMG_9157.jpgWest Union junior Ethan Thompson battles with Peebles sophomore Bostin Robinson as West Union sophomore Chase Cummings looks on. Charles Grove | People’s Defender

Peebles senior Brennan Sims watches as West Union junior Andre Wolke prepares to head the ball.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_IMG_9181.jpgPeebles senior Brennan Sims watches as West Union junior Andre Wolke prepares to head the ball. Charles Grove | People’s Defender

West Union freshman Nathan Greene jostles for position during his team’s 2-2 draw with Peebles Friday evening.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_IMG_9183.jpgWest Union freshman Nathan Greene jostles for position during his team’s 2-2 draw with Peebles Friday evening. Charles Grove | People’s Defender

By Charles Grove

cgrove@civitasmedia.com