The first game of Futsal Indoor Soccer for the Tin Tigers and Jets was more than just the beginning of the season. For some, it was their first time playing organized soccer. Athletes on both teams showed off their talents in a high scoring affair that ended in the Jets favor, 8-7, Saturday morning at the East Lawrence Center.

It was a tightly contested match and one would be hard-pressed to say that they were watching a Rookie Boys division game. The Tin Tigers, donning the blue jerseys, started strong and played aggressively off the dribble. Tiger forward Alex Hurt scored early, getting a shot past the Jets goalkeeper in a 3-on-1 break.

Hurt, who was playing in his first game, was modest about his scoring after the game.

“My favorite part of the game was dribbling the ball well,” Hurt said.

The Jets came right back behind the play of forward Dalton Bonham, who drilled a shot from near midcourt to tie the game at one goal apiece. In the net during the first half for the Jets was Bennett Haase-Divine. He garnered several saves and anchored the defense, helping send the Jets into halftime up 3-2.

The second half saw an offensive explosion from both the Tigers and Jets. Haase-Divine got into action on the offensive side of the ball, scoring the first goal of the half and putting his team up two goals. Jet teammate Bonham added two more goals in the half to complete the hat trick.

Not to be denied their chance, the Tigers matched the Jets almost goal-for-goal, and even took a momentary lead behind the foot of Hurt. Hurt dribbled past a defender and scored his second unassisted goal and put his team ahead for the first time, 7-6, late in the second. The Tigers’ jubilation was short-lived, however, as Bonham came right back on the next possession to tie the game with his third goal.

Tiger forward Alex Hurt controls the ball along the sideline during the second half. Hurt scored two goals, but his team lost 8-7 against the Jets Saturday at the East Lawrence Center.

As the game wound down, neither team seemed to tire. Whether that was from great conditioning, or simply endless energy, it was hard to guess. Jets coach Shaun Elston said the game was great for getting the kids out of the house and putting their energy to work.

“This is great for them, meeting new kids and getting good exercise,” Elston said.

Elston’s Jets squeaked out a win with a goal in the last minute, but the goal was the last thing on most of the kids’ minds after the game. After shaking hands, most of the players from both teams sprinted off the court for snacks and refreshments.

Hurt stuck around to watch another game and said the Tigers would have to work on their passing skills to win the next match.