Varsity Soccer Season Begins
Tuesday, August 24 @ LaGrange Academy (7-6 win)
The Cougars traveled 2 hours south, through the metro Atlanta traffic, to LaGrange. Arriving only 10 minutes before the start time, the Cougars quickly warmed up and prepared for action on a hot south Georgia afternoon . After spotting the Warriors two quick goals, the Cougars charged back behind the offensive skills of Daniel Byman scoring four goals. The Cougars held a slim 4-3 lead at half. After swapping goals, the Warriors made a final offensive effort scoring two goals to push a 6-6 tie. The Cougar defense stiffened behind the gritty play of Charlie Kish, Charles Young and Jackson Barnes and exceptional goalie play by Aidan Briggs. The Warriors were shut out for the remainder of the match. The first overtime period ended with no scores. The second overtime period ended with no additional scores. In the shoot-out, the Cougars found themselves in an early 1-0 deficit after the first round. Gabriel Belden scored in the second round, Liam Walsh scored in the fourth round, and Charlie Kish secured the win with a fifth round score. Aidan Briggs denied the Warrriors in their last three rounds. Grinding out the win in the afternoon heat was a total team effort with gutsy performances by Alex Hogg, Alex Yager, Anthony Kovach, Ben Johnson, Jack Kane, Jack McGrew, Jayden Bryant, Michael Coryer and Weston Kershner. Game Highlights: Daniel Byman – 6 goals, Aiden Briggs – 11 saves.
Thursday, August 26 v. St. George’s Academy (1-4 loss)
The Cougars first home match came against St. Georges Academy on another extremely hot day. Having nine Cougars unavailable to participate, players had to adapt to new roles. Aidan Briggs came out of goal to play forward while Jack Kane replaced him in goal. Gabriel Belden scored early on a free kick from far outside the penalty area, but that was all the offense that could be mustered. Down only 1-2 at halftime gave hope, but the depleted numbers took its toll with no additional shots on goal. All Cougars played hard – Aiden Spies (new addition to the team), Alex Hogg, Anthony Kovach, Charlie Kish, Gabriel Belden, Liam Walsh, Michael Coryer, Nick Elliott, Sam Bayer and Weston Kershner. Game Highlights: Gabriel Belden – 1 goal, Jack Kane – 9 saves.
Upcoming games this week include an the first AAC contest of the season at Howard on Wednesday, 9/1 at 4:00. Return time is scheduled for 7:00. Howard’s address is 1192 Foster St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Another GISA contest will be at home against powerhouse Furtah Prep on Friday, 9/3 at 3:15. Return time is scheduled for 5:45.
