The District 6-AA men’s soccer final between Signal Mountain and East Ridge proved to be an entertaining one. After torrential weather forced the game to be moved from Signal Mountain’s home field to CSLA’s turf field, things were evened out and gave each team a fighting chance. Signal, however, took the game late and a championship victory with a score of 1-0.
Signal lined up in a formation they have used all season. They use the 4-3-3 defensive shape that helps them move the ball quickly. A few changes to the roster, due to injury and fatigue, revealed some new talents that didn’t skip a beat in their game flow. East Ridge used the classic 4-4-2 formation to give them an even, all-around ability to attack.
Signal, despite being the favorites to win, struggled to find any chances in the box. Their build up play was near flawless and looked as if it could be lethal, yet they were unable to produce anything form it for most of the game. East Ridge was putting up a fight as the underdogs and held Signal Mountain out of their box multiple times. Their weakness was finding a rhythm of attack. They had all the key pieces to do so, but it seemed to be misplaced and offbeat.
The first and only goal of the game came late in the second half. Before this it was a back-and-forth counter attacking game for both sides with no luck. That was until Signal Mountain’s forward Nicolas Johnson found his chance and took it well. After a late corner, signal still didn’t have their goal. Then by happenstance the ball deflected and landed right in front of Johnson. He, with great composure and without hesitation, struck the ball first time and crushed into to net to put Signal Mountain up.
Once Signal found their goal it was all about holding onto their lead. This is where one of the best goalkeeping performances comes into play. Colton Selzer became a wall and the only reason East Ridge did not tie it up. Selzer played one of the best games of his career. After the game, coach Micheal Goza spoke on the game and the journey to it.
“It was really nerve racking at the start. I think we were all a little tight. East Ridge started really well pressing the ball. There was the heat being on a turf surface. A lot of things combined to take us out of how we normally play. part of it is east ridge was really well prepared. They matched us in every single play. in the end of the first half there was the incident where there was coming together, several players, and they lost their starting goalkeeper and then he got back into the game. Then it seemed like it was blow for blow. Two equal teams and fortunately we had an opportunity to put it in the net. We have tried to change the style of play to be a hair more possession. Having the confidence in difficult moments, when you are trailing a game or when somebody’s pressing you, yet continue the way we are practicing. We have said to the guys, it is up to them. We are not on the FIFA controller on the sideline. They have really kind of bought into it. they have supported each other.”
The next game for Signal Mountain will be the regional semifinals. They will get to host either South Doyle or Alcoa next week.
Game Summary
East Ridge 0 0 -- 0
Signal Mountain 0 1 -- 1
Goal Scorers:
Signal Mountain- Nicolas Johnson.
(Contact Alex McElyea at alexmcelyea26@gmail.com)