By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — After enduring some struggles, the St. Charles boys showed signs of turning things around on the soccer field last week, downing Riverside in a district contest and then Houma Christian in a non-district affair.

The Comets improved to 3-10-2 and 1-2 in district play.

St. Charles defeated Riverside, 3-2, last Tuesday as Jimmy Antin, Patrick Juneau and Albert Hane each scored goals to lead the Comets to victory.

Riverside’s goals came via C.J. Edler and Tyler Marcon.

The two teams will rematch this Thursday.

St. Charles coach Paul Shenton said that he was pleased with the way the Comets played throughout.

“I thought we controlled the game,” said Shenton. “We had a lot of chances to even add to that lead, chances to finish and score goals. We allowed a couple of scores when we let them get loose while we ourselves were pushing for goals. But overall I thought our guys looked like they are starting to gel.”

Meanwhile, SCC made short work of Houma Christian, walking away with a 9-2 decision.

Alex Rome, Andrew Brady and Austin Allen each scored a pair of goals for the Comets. Nick Roussel and Emile Cupit also scored for SCC.

“(Houma Christian) is very young and inexperienced. They played very hard until the final whistle, regardless of what the score was at any given point. We did a good job making the most of our chances.”

Shenton’s Comets are rebuilding after losing a large portion of last year’s veteran-laden squad. The first-year SCC coach was encouraged by his team’s play last week and believes that if it keeps that level of play, the final two weeks of the season has great promise.

“I think our players are becoming more aware of what is happening on the field,” said Shenton. “90 percent of our players only play during the high school season and it’s a matter of learning … I’ve been able to figure out where guys are at their best, what their strengths are. It’s been a long road this year, but it should be an exciting couple of weeks if we continue to play like this.”