The Chattanooga Christian School soccer team took down Walker Vally in a tight thriller that left the fans on the edge of their seat until the final whistle. The Walker Valley Mustangs came to play at the CCS pitch in hopes to get the best of them. In the end, the Chargers clinched the win with a close score of 2-1.
The Chargers lined up with their usual 4-3-3 formation this time with amore defensive shape. They showed an attacking midfielder, however, the midfield sat back to hold possession and use build up plays from the back line to create attacking opportunities. Walker valley shared the same formation with a slightly different game plan. They won the ball quickly and immediately sent it to the wings to try and get the ball in an attacking situation before CCS had time to respond.
Walker Valley was not able to find their rhythm until the second half. They seemed to be a step behind the Chargers, and it proved to be devastating for their chances to win. CCS always starts off strong and runs at every defense they play against. They are strong on offense with plenty of attacking weapons that can be dangerous. More than anything they have their set pieces that often win them games.
The Chargers’ first goal came from a corner by Josh Grant. The ball deflects off Lyndon Tucker’s head to land in front of CCS right back J.D. Patton. Patton stayed composed in a crowded situation to place the ball perfectly past the keeper after about seven minutes of play.
The next goal came in right before halftime. CCS found themselves with another corner to which the head coach of CCS, Tyler Robertson, called a special set piece and was so confident that they would score that he called it before it even happened. The corner was played in Josh Grant again. This time the players spaced themselves out to leave Ethan Regis open at the top of the box. He gained control and smashed it into the back of the net to make it 2-0 at halftime.
The second kicked off and not thirty seconds went by, and Walker Valley have put the deficit with one. After a planned kick off special they worker the ball forward through the wings. Samuel Maslov gets possessions finds Grey Davies wide. Davies puts himself in a one-on-one position to put the Mustangs on the board. This would conclude the scoring for the night. Both teams fought hard to either strengthen their lead or tie it up. Unfortunately, nothing would come of any of their chances and the game would end 2-1.
Coach Robertson was willing to give some of his thoughts after the game was over. He was pleased with the win despite the close scoreline and with reason. A win this late helps their chances going into the playoffs where they will have to play teams like Baylor or Knoxville Webb. Here is what Coach Robertson had to say.
“I think we started off really strong. Walker Valley is always a good team, and they work really hard. I think we started off really hot and I knew Walker Valley would make a push at the end. I think today was the first time we saw some heavy legs from our boys as we are coming towards the end of the year. Not an excuse. Credit to Walker Valley, they made things difficult in the second half for us. A result is a result, and we win and move on.”
Game Summary
Walker Valley 0 1 -- 1
CCS 2 0 -- 2
Goal Scorers:
Walker Valley- Grey Davies; CCS- J.D. Patton, Ethan Regis.
Assists:
Walker Valley- Samuel Maslov; CCS- Lyndon Tucker, Josh Grant.
(Email Alex McElyea at alexmcelyea26@gmail.com)