Father Ryan's Brett Kayley (23) climbs the back of McCallie's Luke Jacobs (17) as he attempts a header in a TSSAA state soccer semifinal on Wednesday at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. The Blue Tornado edged the Irish, 2-1. McCallie moves on to play MBA in Thursday's championship match at 4:00 p.m. (CST).
photo by Dennis Norwood
The McCallie boys soccer team gutted out another close one after they defeated Father Ryan High School 2-1 after extra time in the Division II Class AA State Semi-Final on Wednesday.
McCallie dominated the first half having five shots to the Irish’s zero, but the Blue Tornado was unable to finish any of their chances.
Less than two minutes into the second half, McCallie got their deserved goal. A deflected shot fell to senior, Matthew Warbrick, who blasted his shot into the roof of the net and gave the boys in blue a 1-0 lead.
Father Ryan responded immediately, when they were awarded a penalty kick. Senior captain, Will Turner, placed his shot low to the left for the Irish’s equalizer.
Both teams continued to create chances in the second half with McCallie registering 10 shots to Father Ryan’s four. At the end of regulation the score was still tied and the match required extra time.
McCallie came out of the gates fast in overtime and scored the winner just over a minute into the first period. The goal-scoring hero was sophomore, Gui Vivaldini, who struck a gorgeous curling shot from the right side into the far corner. McCallie did not allow any Father Ryan shots in the extra periods and held on to win 2-1.
McCallie grinded out their second nail biting 2-1 victory of the post season -Quarter-Final versus MUS finished 2-1- and will be ready to play Wednesday.
This team has shown a ton of resilience have been willing to battle. It is nice to have that personality as a team.” said McCallie Head Coach Chris Cushenbery. “These guys have been wanting to get back and finish strong since last year. That’s something we’ve been trying to do all year long, is finish strong in practice.”
McCallie will have their opportunity to finish strong when play Montgomery Bell Academy -a rematch of the 2017 state final in which McCallie won 3-2- for the 2019 Division II Class AA State Final on Thursday at 4:00P.M.