The Gilmer Bobcats did not shy away from their opponent following the conclusion of region soccer play, and they nearly pulled off the upset.
GHS was on the field at home last Tuesday to host Southeast Whitfield (11-4), the No. 14 ranked team in Class 5A. The Cats proved they were up for the challenge and built a three-goal lead over the Raiders. Southeast erased the Cats’ advantage over the final 34 minutes to force a penalty shootout, where they won, 4-3.
GHS had the Raiders sweating for much of the match, and it did not take long for the Bobcats to apply pressure. Ronald Cuz netted his first of three goals in the fifth minute.
Bobcat Keby Puac gained possession in the center of the field before playing a through ball down the right wing to Carter Gearhart. He then slotted a pass across the face of the goal to Cuz, who shook a defender. His shot from 6 yards away was too much for the Raider goalkeeper to handle, and the ball made its way through his arms and across the goal line.
It only took GHS five more minutes to score its next goal. Puac provided the through ball down the center of the field to Cuz, who met the ball with his left foot to send it inside the right post from 8 yards away.
GHS goalkeeper Landon Hamby saved five SHS shots that were on target in the first half and made six more in the second.
Gilmer added its third goal six minutes into the second half. Puac was tackled hard in the box for a foul. Cuz stepped up to the penalty spot and smashed the ball into the lower right corner of the net.
GHS had a great opportunity to score five minutes later, but Gearhart could not get the ball past the keeper from close range.
The Raiders attacked through the middle of Gilmer’s defense for their first goal. It cut the Cats’ lead to 3-1 with 29:38 on the clock. Southeast pressed forward aggressively the remainder of the match, and it scored again with 12:49 remaining. They attacked down the left wing, and a centered pass was scored from just yards away.
Ten minutes later, a Gilmer handball in the box and ensuing penalty kick allowed SHS to even the score.
Nonregion games typically end in ties, as overtime procedures are reserved for region matches. However, they settled the tie with a penalty shootout. Each team received five shots, which alternated.
Both teams made their first three attempts. Bobcats Angel Reynoso, Cain Cuz and Puac all found the back of the net. Gilmer’s fourth attempt was saved, and Hamby did the same for the Bobcats.
With the next goal deciding the winner, Gilmer’s attempt was smashed off the crossbar. The Raiders cashed in their chance for the victory.
The loss dropped Gilmer to 8-8 on the season, and the Bobcats return to the field April 14 at Union County (14-1).