What started out as a defensive chess match quickly turned to an offensive explosion Saturday as the 6U Soccer Hawks matched off against the Yodas at Youth Sports Inc.

After trading goals throughout much of the game, it was the Hawks who were able to catch a couple of good bounces en route to a 10-4 win.

“Our passing was really sharp today,” said Hawks head coach Brian Fast. “We fought really hard and got after the ball. Defensively, we hustled back and got in front of their attack.”

However, it was the Yodas who struck first to open the game. The Yodas were lead offensively by Sam Six, who used his quick feet to scamper around the Hawk defense. Six set the tone for the Yodas early on the opening kick after receiving a pass from teammate Paul Loupe. Minutes later, it was Six who struck again, dashing full field for the go-ahead goal.

Conner Dow provided additional offensive pressure for the Yodas. Dow used the open field to his advantage, creating space for his teammates to find him open for a goal. Dow also displayed his speed after charging full field with Hawks nipping at his heels for an insurance goal.

“We did a better job of sharing and passing the ball,” said Yoda head coach Thomas Don. “I’m really proud of my team.”

Defensively, Conrad Skala used his size and positioning to slow down the Hawk attack and lead the Yodas. Skala displayed an offensive touch, sending several pinpoint passes to the feet of his Yoda teammates.

On the other side, it was Nathaniel Spain who led the Hawks defense. On two separate occasions, Spain hustled his way back full field in order to jump in front of a streaking Yoda forward.

Soccer Hawk Megan Fast finishes a breakaway with a goal Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

Spain also displayed his offensive abilities by recording a couple of goals on the afternoon. Spain recorded a goal early in the first half after receiving a pass from teammate Jared Hicks and outran the Yoda defense for his first goal. Spain struck again, this time giving the Hawks the momentum early in the second half by scoring in the opening seconds.

The Hawks received additional support offensively from Hicks and Abi Hummel. Hicks provided a highlight-reel goal after using a sliding kick to open the scoring for the Hawks. Hummel connected on a goal after receiving a perfect throw in from Jonathan Roush.

Megan Fast, who pounced on all loose balls and attacked the Yoda offense, also led the Hawks defensively. Fast did an excellent job of providing an outlet pass to her teammates by setting up several scoring opportunities to help the Hawks cruise to a victory.