One thing was clear after the Wizards and Bulldogs 10U co-ed soccer match at Youth Sports Inc. fields on Saturday.

“These kids are going to sleep well tonight, and I don’t think the parents are going to mind,” said onlooker Boe Keasling of the draining match characterized by both teams’ wide-open and fast-paced play.

The game got under way at 12:30 right in the heat of the afternoon sun. Since it was the first game of the season, fatigue played a role in the game’s outcome.

In the end, the dazzling play of Bulldog David Neff, who recorded a hat trick, gave the Bulldogs a 5-2 victory.

It was evident through the Bulldogs’ constant communication and step-ahead assumptions that the squad has been playing together for the past three seasons. Consequently, the Bulldog offense peppered Wizard goalie Alex Huston early in the first half.

But Huston was more than ready for the challenge because he turned away 14 Bulldog scoring opportunities. Instead of the Bulldogs opening an insurmountable first half lead, Huston helped keep the Wizards within striking distance.

Lindsey Wettington warms up before the Wizards and the Bulldogs faced off in a match that took place during the heat of the day Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

But Neff’s big day and the Bulldogs team unity and experience ended up being too much.

Neff repeatedly snaked his way through the Wizard defense. His quick footwork and ankle-breaking moves opened space for him to attack.

If Neff wasn’t enough, Bulldog “bash brothers” Keegan McKinney and Jack Raney kept the Wizard goalie busy with several one-on-one opportunities in the second half, each registering a goal on the afternoon.