Soccer: Lusher scores late to edge Ben Franklin

In an outstanding matchup of two of the top teams in the state in their respective divisions, it came down to the closing moments to decide a winner Saturday.

Senior Noah Glasco scored on an assist by sophomore Alex Lupin just before regulation ended to give defending Division III state champion Lusher Charter a 2-1 victory over Ben Franklin on the Lakefront.

The Lions entered the game third in the LHSAA Division III power rankings while the Falcons are second in the Division II power rankings. Ben Franklin reached the Division II semifinals a year ago.

After a scoreless first half, Lusher Charter broke the tie in the 52nd minute on a goal by senior Russell Brown.

Ben Franklin got the equalizer in the 75th minute on a goal by Alex Michael.

Both teams were without key players with Lusher missing at least one starter and the Falcons without three starters.

Lusher (13-3-2) has now won six straight matches and the Lions will take on De La Salle Monday night. Ben Franklin (10-3-3) saw its four-match win streak end. The Falcons will travel to Terrebonne Monday.

Area Prep Soccer Results from Saturday, Jan. 8

Boys

Archbishop Rummel 3, Mandeville 2

Belle Chasse 1, St. Michael 0

Holy Cross 3, Caddo Magnet 1

Jesuit 2, Grace King 1

Mandeville 3, West Monroe 0

Parkview Baptist 7, Christ Episcopal 1

Pope John Paul II 3, Newman 2

St. Charles Catholic 7, Houma Christian 0

St. Martin’s Episcopal 8, Chalmette 2

St. Thomas More 1, Holy Cross 0

Girls

Acadiana 3, St. Charles Catholic 0

Dominican 5, Barbe 0

Dominican 6, St. Thomas More 0

H.L. Bourgeois 7, St. Thomas Aquinas 1

Lusher Charter 2, Episcopal 1

New Iberia 3, St. Charles Catholic 1

Newman 1, Pope John Paul II 1

St. Scholastica 3, Mount Carmel Academy 0