PROVO — The Timpview boys soccer team did just enough to keep Payson from stealing a big win in Region 7 play Tuesday.
In a battle against an upstart Payson team, a pair of early goals was enough for the Thunderbirds to squeeze through with a 2-1 win, but the Lions were left mulling over missed chances in a game that could have served as a big statement and vaulted them into the driver's seat in the region.
Payson's surprising early success has it in the unusual position of competing for a top spot in the region standings, and its inexperience in big games showed when the team looked nervous and shaky in giving up early scores by Rob Brinton and Salomon Jaar.
Jeremy Petersen pulled a goal back before halftime that swung the momentum, but neither team could finish scoring opportunities in a scoreless second half.
"That was definitely one of the most intense games I've seen because of the speed and play of both teams," said Timpview coach Mike Anderson. "I think the two goals we put in early really set the tempo, but after (Payson) scored they had total momentum and it was scary there for a couple of moments."
In the sixth minute Tennison Hunter crossed a pass into the area that was beautifully played as a dummy by Brinton and over to Jaar for a hard strike and the game's first score.
Brinton doubled the T-Birds' lead in the 29th minute, tapping a low cross by Jeff Kimball just past the charging goalkeeper.
Petersen got Payson's much-needed answer in the 33rd minute, slipping past the back line and beating the goalkeeper with a shot into the far corner.
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"The first 20 minutes of the game we came out really hard," said Brinton. "I think we just lost momentum. They got the momentum, and we just kind of let down."
Timpview continued to control possession in the second half, but Payson missed some golden opportunities on counter attacks.
Jason Cook had Payson's best chance with a one-on-one breakaway in the 50th minute, but he rolled his shot outside the near post.
Payson goalkeeper Spencer Nielson saved a 75th-minute penalty kick by Jaar to keep his team in the game, but the Lions couldn't produce an equalizer in the final minutes, despite making a few good runs at the goal.
"Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way," said Payson coach Don Helvey. "I'm sure the kids are down, but I'm not down one bit. I'll take where we've gotten to."