ROCHESTER HILLS - The Rochester Adams Highlanders defeated the Warren DeLaSalle Pilots, 2-0, in a non-conference battle between two premier teams Thursday.

The game was a back and forth affair, especially in the first half. Both teams were able to move the ball, but tight marking by both sides limited the offensive opportunities for each team. The Pilots had been living a bit dangerously, however, by giving Adams numerous offensive zone free kicks, and the Highlanders finally burned them with 53 seconds to play in the half when Joey Dillon ran onto an arcing free kick by Matt Szilard. The goal proved to be a catalyst for Adams. "They ended the first half with momentum and started the next with momentum," DeLaSalle assistant coach Skipper Mukhtar said after the game.

Adams would use the momentum to full advantage, adding its second goal just after halftime when Dylan Knott blazed down the left side and found Justin Wineke in the box. Wineke banged it in for a 2-0 lead that Adams would maintain for the rest of the game.

After Wineke's goal, the Pilot defense, led by sweeper Nick Zingas, would clamp down hard, holding the Highlanders without a shot for the rest of the game. But as DeLaSalle pressed forward, the Adams defense was equal to the task. Matt Szilard, James Davis, and the rest of the Highlander defense would allow just three shots on goal all night. The defense had plenty of help from a hard-working midfield. Led by a trio of seniors — Joey Dillon, Morley Burns and Sam Suchta — the Highlanders pressed the Pilots at every opportunity.

After the game, Adams coach Josh Hickey was very pleased with his team. "I thought we worked hard as a collective group, and everyone supported each other," he said.

The Highlander work ethic was seen as a key to the game by Mukhtar as well. "They won every battle," he said.

The loss drops DeLaSalle's record to 12-3-4 overall. Adams, meanwhile, improves to 11-3-3 overall. The Highlanders conclude their regular season on Monday when they host crosstown rival Rochester. Monday's game will not count in the OAA Red standings as the teams already met in league play with Adams winning, 3-0, on Sept. 22.