Not in our house.
That’s the statement the WCMS Pioneer soccer team made as it defeated conference rival Harris Middle School’s Eagles 2-0 Friday night at Nunley Stadium.
It was a tough battle for the Pioneers who have won their first three games in preseason getting ready for the Eagles, but it was worth it as both teams battled to a no-sum stalemate through the first half.
The Eagles came back from halftime even more determined to score. The Pioneer defense was tested and came through with flying colors and that’s when their shot came.
Pioneer John Jackson’s sideline pass found teammate Joan Garcia wide open. Garcia took the pass and drove to the goalie, drawing him out by not shooting immediately. When he did shoot, it was soft as butter on a hot day and placed just right to beat the keeper.
Reinvigorated by the goal, Jackson again found the open man in teammate Kade Simpson with a crossing pass. Simpson wasted no time making it 2-0 with very little time left on the clock.
Although the Eagles tried a hurry-up offense, the Pioneer defense didn’t rest on its lead, taking it right back until the final buzzer.
“It’s always a great game when we play Harris,” said WCMS coach Matt Jackson “It took a while but we finally wore them down. Juan’s shot was silky smooth. It was beautiful to see. It was a relief to finally get a score after fighting so hard in the first half. It was definitely a momentum boost.”
Simpson played at full throttle offensively and defensively, and Daniel Cruz gave a solid performance as the team transitioned flawlessly with players like Jordan Ramirez, Dominique Betancourt and Marvin Franco policing the backfield.
Jackson was a force to be reckoned with, having scored both goals in the team’s last game against Algood. He showcased his ability to get the ball to the open man which resulted in two scores by teammates in Friday’s game, making the win a true team effort.
Warren County travels to Coffee County on Thursday, March 9. Game time is 5 p.m.