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Ramirez sets scoring record in SM’s victory over Brevard
Smoky Mountain junior Richard Ramirez became the school’s career goals leader during a 5-1 Western Athletic Conference soccer victory last Thursday at Brevard.
The second of his three goals gave him 72 for his career, eclipsing the 71 by Grant Schallock, who played from 2003-06.
“It couldn’t happen to a more deserving young man,” Coach Dolphus Brown said. “He’s a kid of wonderful character and is so unselfish. To break this record shows what kind of athlete he is, and he’s got another year to go.”
The Mustangs (17-2, 7-1) took control early and built a 4-1 halftime lead.
“It was an intense game,” Brown said. “They were very aggressive, and our players kept their poise. The combative play lifted our game.”
SM’s Brandon Norris opened the scoring at the 9:46 mark.
“The ball floated in off the left side 6 yards from the goal, but he was about 15 yards out on the left and sent it to the far post,” Brown said.
The Blue Devils tied it 1-1 on Eric Evenger’s penalty kick after a foul in the box at the 15-minute mark.
The Mustangs took the lead for good at 2-1 when Ramirez scored with an assist from Keller Berry at the 27-minute mark.
“Keller collected the ball in the middle of the field and played it forward to Richard,” Brown said. “He pushed it past the keeper from 10 yards.”
The record-breaking goal by Ramirez came at the 27-minute mark. Dylan Haynes provided the assist as the lead reached 3-1.
“Dylan made a diagonal cross,” the coach said. “Richard received it and exploded through two guys. He drilled it from 15 yards.”
SM led 4-1 at intermission after Jarrod Couch took a cross from Ramirez and scored from 8 yards out on the right side at the 37-minute mark.
Ramirez had the lone goal of the second half as he shot from 15 yards on the left to the far post with nine minutes to play. Couch provided the assist.
The Mustangs had a 13-8 edge in shots. SM’s Max Macedo made three saves, and Brevard’s Juan Mescaro had four.
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