NEW ALBANY — The first of the big rival high school soccer games will take place tonight when the Providence boys host Floyd Central at 7.

It’s been a mixed first week for the Pioneers and new coach Brandon Rogers, who stand at 1-1 after an 8-0 victory to Corydon and a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Seymour on Saturday.

Those who should play a significant role tonight include sophomore Pierce Crawley — now with Indiana United’s U15/16 Development Academy — Javanon’s Daniel Wilburn and United 1996’s Brett Bass.

Providence’s returning seniors should also provide leadership, including goalkeeper Taylor Hamblin, Ben Orem, Jonathan Rogers, Josh Maled (Javanon) and Trent Brown.

Others amongst the Pioneers’ ranks this year are sophomore Andrew Wimp (Columbus Express), juniors Max Neace, Weston Schrank and Wade Brown and freshman Evan Hollkamp (Javanon).

Coach Rogers believes Floyd Central, who it tied with 2-2 in last year’s corresponding fixture, is the team to beat in the area this fall, and he is looking forward to tonight’s meeting against the Highlanders.

“This is a new era for Providence soccer, and I’m taking a little bit of a different approach to our training sessions. But leaving the core components alone that have worked for us in the past,” he said.

Providence has a tough schedule this fall. It travels to Bloomington for the Hoosier Cup, which will start on Friday, Sept. 3, and then it will play against current Kentucky state champion St. Xavier on Thursday, Sept. 9 at home.

That’s followed by a trip to the South Oldham Invitational tournament, where it will face Ballard (ranked No. 5 preseason in Kentucky) on Monday, Sept. 20. The Pioneers are hoping having formidable opponents will pay dividends.

“The boys have their sights set high, so we’ll see if the work and determination will pay off in the end,” Rogers said.

Floyd Central, meanwhile, got off to a good start with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Forest Park last Thursday.

Will Spiller and Danny Laird both netted during a two-minute spell in the first half, while goalkeeper Jerad Clark saved a penalty to ensure Floyd Central stayed in front.

In their second game of the season on Saturday, the Highlanders tied 1-1 against East Central. Chris Short put the Highlanders ahead before Jeremy Alexander equalized late on for the Trojans.



ROBINETT STARTS FOR PURPLE ACES

New Albany graduate Kaitlin Robinett played a part in both of University of Evansville’s opening games this past weekend.

The freshman was a substitute when the Division I Purple Aces lost 3-0 at home to Indiana last Friday, and then played a full game in defense on the left against Eastern Illinois on Sunday, a game Evansville lost by an overtime penalty kick.

Robinett, who scored 77 career goals with the Bulldogs, said she has been handed a new challenge and is working hard to earn and keep her starting position. She is adjusting to practices well and has discovered the wonderful healing properties of ice baths, which she says she actually likes.

Meanwhile, Western Kentucky University, featuring senior Chelsea Grover from Jeffersonville, lost its season opener by a 3-0 score at Tennessee.

Both girls will face off against each other when Evansville plays the Lady Hilltoppers in Bowling Green, Ky., on Sept. 3.



LUCKY 13 FOR JEFF IN OPENER

The Jeffersonville boys and new coach Carson Webb kicked off their season with a 13-0 defeat of Silver Creek on Saturday.

Brian Fischer scored four goals, while Jordan Vejar had three and Gavin Leavell kicked in two.

The Red Devils’ next game will be at home against Louisville Butler at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.



PROVIDENCE WINS FIREFIGHTERS’ CUP

Providence beat Floyd Central 2-1 in overtime to retain the junior varsity Firefighters’ Cup at Jeffersonville High School on Saturday.

The hosts beat New Albany 5-0 in the consolation match earlier in the evening.

Contact Aidan Kelly at aidokaydo@gmail.com.