There was a cloud hanging over the season opener for the Warren County High School soccer team. A rain cloud that is.
The Pioneers were able to get in most of their game against Tullahoma, but the action had to be stopped in the second half with the teams tied 1-1.
Per TSSAA rules, any game which concludes the first half can become an official contest if stopped early due to weather. Therefore, the Pioneers’ record moved to 0-0-1 after the first match of the season.
Warren County was prepared for the start of the season after playing three matches at a DeKalb County playday five days prior.
The Pioneers and Wildcats tussled for the first 40 minutes without either team taking control. Most of the action stayed at midfield, but Warren County coach Todd Willmore got a good sign when his new keeper Patrick David made stops when he was forced into action.
David kept the game scoreless early when it looked like Tullahoma had a chance to score. A Wildcat broke open behind the Pioneer defense, but David rushed out to force the action.
With David closing ground, the Wildcat striker tried a chip shot and sent the ball sailing over the net and out of bounds.
David officially made four stops in the first half, while the Pioneers took four shots on goal on the other side.
Jesus Gonzalez, Vulinh Pham and Alex Serna each got looks in the final 10 minutes, but the long-range shots missed the mark and both teams went into halftime with a goose egg on the scoreboard.
The Wildcats drew first blood shortly after halftime. Tullahoma converted on a transition goal, finally getting an open look against the Pioneer defense.
Warren County didn’t waste much time finding a way to respond. Though the Pioneers couldn’t get the equalizer during live action, a penalty ended up giving Warren County the perfect opportunity to tie the game.
Tullahoma was called for a hand ball in the box midway through the second half and the Pioneers were awarded a penalty kick.
Gonzalez, a senior team captain, stepped up to take the shot. Gonzalez took his shot, but the Tullahoma keeper made a diving stop.
The ricochet came right back to Gonzalez though and the senior didn’t miss on his second chance. Gonzalez found the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
Rain started to come down late in the second half, then lightning struck and the two teams were forced off the field. After surveying the weather conditions, the call was made that the game wouldn’t have a chance to be completed and the officials declared the game over.
Warren County will return to the field Tuesday when the Pioneers play host to DeKalb County. Action at Warren County High School soccer field is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.