GHS Bobcats 3-0 to start soccer season
The Gilmer Bobcats have earned three nonregion soccer victories to begin the season.
GHS hosted Gordon Central last Tuesday, and seven combined cards were issued in the match. The Cats netted a pair of goals in the first half and came away with a 2-0 season opening win.
The Bobcats were in Murray County two days later, and Gilmer once again scored early and often. The Cats’ two-goal halftime lead stood at 3-1 by game’s end.
“I was very happy with how the boys played Tuesday,” said head coach Taylor Johnstone. “It was a rough, physical game, and our boys didn’t back down. The game consisted of seven total cards. Two of the yellows were ours, and Gordon Central had four yellows and one red.”
The Bobcats have made the most out of their free kicks this season, which is how they got rolling.
“Set pieces have been a key part to our success in the past two games,” Johnstone said. “Twelve minutes into the game, Jorge Flores attempted a free kick just outside of the left-top side of the 18-yard box. The ball was blocked by the keeper and met by junior Liam Engel, who headed off a defender not once, but two times before it crossed the line.”
Four minutes later, a long free kick deep into a threatening position ping-ponged between players of both teams before a Warrior miss hit the ball to the right side of the goal. Bobcat sophomore Brayner Ortiz’s left-footed shot was saved, but he secured the rebound with a one touch right-footed finish.
“It was nice to get that first win of the season. Our program is trying to adapt a new style of play, which will allow us to string some passes together, maintain possession and manipulate the game,” Johnstone explained. “It has been an interesting process since we have been so pressed for time with the late start to the season.”
Gilmer scored three more goals off free kicks versus Murray. Ortiz fired the game’s first shot 13 minutes in, and he gave GHS a 1-0 lead a minute later. A 40-yard free kick was sent into the box by Flores, and Ortiz hammered the ball into the back of the net.
The Cats kept Murray on its heels over the following 15 minutes, and their efforts paid off 11 minutes before halftime. Ortiz took a corner kick and tucked the ball inside the far post for a 2-0 edge.
Johnstone noted the Bobcats played “too direct” in the first half but changed tactics over the final 40 minutes. GHS pushed its lead to 3-0 13 minutes into the final half.
Sebastian Lucas was fouled 20 yards out on the left side of the goal. Sophomore Angel Garcia took the free kick and curled the shot into the top right corner of the net.
MCHS was able to get a goal but never threatened the Cats’ lead.
“At this point, I am glad to be 2-0, but we have a tough schedule ahead of us. We will have to rely on our depth on the bench,” Johnstone said. “The last two games we have been trying to develop these players by gaining them some experience. It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s needed. You can’t teach experience, it must be earned.
“We have several things that we are looking to improve, and I believe the boys are up for the challenge. As a coaching staff, we are very proud of the progress the boys have made up to this point.”
A recap of Gilmer’s 2-1 win at Fannin County Monday will appear in next week’s Times-Courier. Gilmer hosts Union County Friday for a 7 p.m. game.