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SM booters win over Panthers in overtime
After some 95 minutes of scoreless soccer, Smoky Mountain scored twice in the final five minutes of overtime to claim a 2-0 non-conference victory at Franklin on Sept. 20.
Joey Cox broke the scoreless tie at the 95-minute mark. John-Luke McCord started the play with a throw-in from deep in Panther territory. Grant Schallock headed the ball back to Cort Smith, who headed it forward to Cox for the goal.
David Cheatham added an insurance goal for the Mustangs (10-1) with 30 seconds remaining off an assist from Cox.
Smoky Mountain’s Joey Cox (left) races a Franklin player for the ball during the Mustangs’ 2-0 overtime victory last week. – Herald photo by Carey Phillips
“I don’t think we were mentally ready for the game,” Coach Dolphus Brown said. “They took it to us really strong in the first part of the game.”
Both teams finished with 11 shots after the Panthers had built an edge early. SM’s Cody Bryson made eight saves while Franklin’s Hobe Collins had six.
“The defense played great and saved us early,” Brown said. “Franklin came out very strong while we were flat-footed. The tide turned midway through the first half. Most of the second half was played in their end. We just missed a lot of opportunities.”
Conditioning was an issue as the game went into overtime, which meant an extra 20 minutes, according to Brown.
Being in shape was even more important as the Mustangs had to overcome a couple of injuries. Martin Davis sustained a bruised knee late in the first half and did not return. Rob Tyson left with a shoulder injury late in the contest.
The Panthers played a man down the last two minutes after a player was ejected. SM’s John Brown was struck in the face during an altercation.
“In the heat of battle, something happened between them,” the coach said. “He got frustrated and pushed John. The kid landed a poke on the cheek. I can’t tell you how proud I was of John for keeping his composure. We want to be a poised team.”
The Mustang JVs are 0-3-2 after a 1-1 tie. SM’s Rodrigo Nogal scored on a penalty kick in the first half. The Panthers tied it in the second half.
Coach Chris Tyson singled out Jeremy Cauley for his play in goal. Also cited for their performance were Nogal and Keller Berry.
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