Brothers strengthen defense for Boulder City soccer squad

Jonathan Lyons, right, runs for a ball as his brother Mitchell watches the goal during a soccer game against Moapa on Sept. 23.

By Brent Hinckley

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 | midnight

Richard Brian

Brothers Jonathan, right, and Mitchell Lyons.

A pair of brothers playing their first year of high school soccer are anchoring the defense for the Boulder City High boys team.

Senior Mitch Lyon and junior Jonathan Lyon haven't played soccer since they were young, but a number of their friends asked them to join the Eagles this summer.

"They just kept asking us to come play, because they needed people on the team," Mitch Lyon said. "We're both enjoying it and having a lot of fun."

Mitch Lyon is the team's goalie, while Jonathan Lyon is a defender, occasionally playing midfield.

They come from a family of swimmers but decided to shake things up by joining the soccer team.

"We did swimming all the time. It's fun, but it was getting a bit old," Jonathan Lyon said. "I was excited to try something new."

Coach Dave Nilsen coached the boys when they played for the BC United club soccer team when they were younger. He was glad to see the brothers come back.

"They bring a confidence onto the field," Nilsen said. "They are not afraid, and they are comfortable with their abilities."

One of the positions Nilsen needed to fill was in the goal after the two boys who played goalie last year graduated. The coach didn't hesitate putting Mitch Lyon, an untested player, in goal.

"I knew he just needed experience. I'm glad we had a couple practice games and some scrimmages to start with," Nilsen said. "By the end of the year, Mitch will be a tremendous goalie."

After giving up nine goals in the first two games, he's allowed just seven goals in six games — Faith Lutheran scored six goals in its win on Sept. 29 — and posted four shutouts.

That defense has helped the Eagles to a 5-1 record in 3A Southern League play.

Playing in the backfield together has helped the two learn the game and become better players.

"We'll tease and have fun, but we don't get mad if the other makes a mistake," Mitch Lyon said. "Not playing well makes me mad."

Jonathan Lyon said they use each other to get better.

"We're just trying to get better and push each other to do that," he said.

The Lyons have two younger brothers, but they won't try to persuade them to give up swimming for soccer.

"Our youngest brother is too good at swimming to give it up," Jonathan Lyon said. "Besides, our mom won't let him quit swimming, but we let them know how much fun we're having."

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 948-2074 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.