PAYSON — The Provo boys soccer team bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 1-0 win over Payson on a windy field Thursday.
The victory helped the Bulldogs put away memories of the their stunning loss to Orem earlier this week, while Payson lost its second-straight close game to a region leader and was left wondering what it would take to get over the hump.
Provo's typically high-scoring offense was slowed down by the windy conditions, but Chris Dinehart still managed to get the game's only goal in the 31st minute while the Bulldogs' defense recorded a shutout.
"It's very difficult to play in these conditions," said Provo coach Cesar Cardoso. "But, if we win 1-0 or 10-0 it is the same. One is all you need."
The score came when Oscar Claveria launched a long shot from outside the right corner of the penalty area that bounced off the near post. Dinehart was in position to beat the keeper to the rebound and put the shot away.
It was Dinehart's third goal of the year after missing a few early season games with an injury.
"Oscar put up a nice shot near post and the goalie misjudged it and I got lucky," said Dinehart.
Justin Piatt got his fourth shutout of the year in the net for Provo. Piatt and the Bulldogs' back line survived a furious attack on the goal late in the second half when Payson threw everyone forward to try and get an equalizer.
"They had some opportunities," said Cardoso.
"We learned today. We came back and we played good defense."
In the last 20 minutes, Payson played the ball in front of the goal several times on free kicks, corner kicks, and throw-ins, but no one could come up with a finish. With starting forward Jason Cook serving a red card suspension, the Lions were forced to make some personnel changes and had no consistency in their attack.
Despite a red hot start to the season, Payson now needs some answers after back-to-back one goal losses to Timpview and Provo.
In both of the losses to the Region 7 favorites, Payson had no problem playing with its opponent, but seemed to lack the composure and experience it needed to make the winning plays.
"I can't wait to play them again," said Payson coach Don Helvey. "We were missing Jason Cook who's one of our best shooters and best assist guys. The kids aren't going to give up. They should win these games."
In other action:
REGION 4
AMERICAN FORK 3, PLEASANT GROVE 1: The Cave Men earned a Region 4 victory over the Vikings.
LONE PEAK 3, SPANISH FORK 0: The Knights jumped out to an early lead and rolled to an easy win, improving to 3-0 in region play. Cody Wilson posted two goals for Lone Peak in the victory.
MOUNTAIN VIEW 1, TIMPANOGOS 0: The Bruins recorded their seventh shutout of the season, blanking the Timberwolves and improving to 4-0 in region play. Dustin Graham scored the lone goal for Mountain View.
REGION 7
TIMPVIEW 4, LEHI 1:Salomon Jaar netted two goals for the Thunderbirds as they stretched their unbeaten region record to five games.
OREM 1, SPRINGVILLE 0:Kyle Turner's goal came off a corner kick and Brad Howard earned the shutout for the Tigers.
REGION 9
SNOW CANYON 2, CEDAR 0:Andrew Belmont made some huge saves between the pipes for Snow Canyon, earning his first shutout of the season. Lucas Yates and Mike Palacios scored for the Warriors in the winning effort.
REGION 17
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 12, MOUNT VERNON 0:Colten Kley paced the Crusaders with five goals, while Chandler Jordana added two more scores. Derek Dessel and Aaron Solberg each had two assists, while Shaun Sandman and Kevin Langford shared goalkeeping duties.
NONREGION
WEBER 4, BONNEVILLE 2: Fourth-ranked Weber scored three times within the space of nine minutes early in the first half and held on for the nonregion win. Andrew Morris scored twice for the Warriors, while Jacob Greaves and Chris Capener each had one goal. Andy Cornia scored both of Bonneville's goals.