Varsity Soccer Wins Sixth Straight AAC Championship
Tuesday, October 19 AAC Tournament Final v. Mills Springs Academy (10-0 win).
I have to say that the Cougars put together their best game of the season – offensively and defensively. From the beginning, the Cougars dictated the tempo of the game with the offensive continually attacking deep into the Mustang’s defense. Daniel Byman started the scoring off an assist from Gabriel Belden. He continued to break down the Mustang defense with two unassisted goals. Blake Lackey then added his first goal off of a corner kick by Daniel. Daniel scored another unassisted goal for the team’s fifth goal of the game. Blake drove a shot hard into the Mustang’s goal keepers chest only to have it ricochet back to Braden Kramer who popped it back in for a goal. Liam Walsh was active in attacking the goal while Ben Johnson constantly pressed Mustang players into bad passes. Midfield and defense were solid. Jack Kane, Alex Hogg, Anthony Kovach and Charles Young kept the ball on the Mustang side of the field for most of the match. Jackson Barnes provided some meaningful minutes off the bench. The few attacks by Mustang strikers were smothered by goal keeper Aidan Briggs. Halftime – TCS 6, MSA 0. The second half started just as the first half. Daniel scored off a Gabriel assist. Aiden Spies added an unassisted goal. Daniel fed Blake for his second goal of the contest. The bench was cleared to provide the remaining players an opportunity to experience the action. Finally the mercy rule was invoked when Daniel scored off a throw in by Blake. The defense provided no opportunity for the Mustangs to score – not a single shot on goal during the match. Game Highlights: Daniel Byman – 6 goals and tournament MVP, 2 assists; Blake Lackey – 2 goals, 2 assists, Aiden Spies – 1 goal; Braden Kramer – 1 goal; Gabe Belden – 2 assists; Liam Walsh – 4 shots.
Coach Hector and myself are extremely proud of the this team. Despite challenges and disappointments, this team finished strong. Some of the accomplishments include an overall 13-4 record, an undefeated AAC season and the AAC tournament championship title (sixth straight), a winning record in GISA and a GISA tournament semi-final appearance. The Cougars only losses came from two GISA teams and one was the state champion.
It has been a historic run for our seniors. We offer much gratitude for their contributions in advancing the program forward. They will be missed. That being said, we will return a great core of player for next year’s run at a seventh straight AAC championship. Also, thank you to all the parents for their support of the athletes endeavors and to us as coaches. It was greatly appreciated. Until next year ….
Coaches Hector and Greg
