Effingham exploded for seven second-half goals Tuesday, en route to a 10-3 soccer victory over St. Anthony.

The Hearts held a slim 3-2 lead at intermission before pulling away.

“It was a sluggish start for us,” EHS coach Weston Peno said. “We weren’t moving the ball or defending like I know we can. It took some motivation and a very tight game at the end of the first half to get them fired up.

“Once we found our rhythm and started communicating, we began to play the way I know we can,” Peno added. “The defense was strong and the ball movement up front was very nice. The creative plays the team ran were a testament to their willingness to work together as a team.”

Eight different Hearts scored goals. Bryan Angel and Tucker Moeller both scored two, while Victor Hugo Carillo, Oswaldo Angel, Josh Bowlin, Andrew Qiu, Parker Siner and Jett McMillan each scored one. Goalie Brandon Duncan recorded six saves.

Jack Elder had two goals for St. Anthony and Luke Swingler also scored. Will Swingler and Landon Adams both had assists and goalie Ivan Dong had 16 saves.

Effingham will play at home Thursday against Vandalia, while St. Anthony travels to Olney.