Effingham put on quite a second-half rally Thursday.

The Hearts fell short, dropping a 6-4 soccer decision at Charleston, but their effort left their coach impressed.

The host Trojans dominated the first half, taking a 6-1 lead at intermission, but Effingham put on a second half charge to close within two goals and had opportunities to get even closer.

“The first half was slow for us defensively and we seemed disorganized on the field,” said EHS coach Weston Peno. “But I thought the second half was a defining moment for us.

“We went out with our heads up high and a fire in our hearts that changed the course of the game,” Peno added. “We worked hard, ran the ball, possessed it when need and made smart, consistent runs. We did not slow down.”

The Hearts scored three goals in the first 25 minutes of the second half.

Armando Estrada, Bryan Angel, Osvaldo Angel and Josh Bowlin each scored goals for EHS and goalie Brandon Duncan recorded 11 saves.

“Though the outcome was a loss, I am very proud of how our team played in the second half,” Peno said. “With such a debilitating score deficit, many teams would have hung their head and given up. The determination in our team is what really sets us apart.”

The Hearts will host Taylorville Saturday.