Smoky Mountain's David White moves past an
East Henderson defender in Monday's 3-2 victory. - Herald
photo by Nick Breedlove
Michael Tennant's goal with 18 seconds remaining
lifted Smoky Mountain to a 3-2 Mountain Athletic Conference
soccer victory Monday at Carr Hooper Stadium/Babe Howell Field.
"The ball was played nicely on the left side by Jacob Myers,"
Coach Dolphus Brown said. "Michael put a foot on it, and
it curved just inside the post from about 10 yards out."
Myers was credited with an assist.
The win came on the heels of another one-goal victory over a
MAC opponent, North Buncombe, last week.
"I didn't know if we could have games back-to-back that
were as exciting and hard fought as we did with North Buncombe
and East Henderson," Brown said. "It was the best
of the best."
The Eagles struck first when Michael Bain scored from 18 yards
out just less than 13 minutes into the game. His shot came from
wide on the right side.
"We sometimes start slow," the coach said. "Even
with that goal, I thought we were starting to take better control."
The Mustangs (7-2, 2-1) drew even at the 25:36 mark when freshman
Grant Schallock scored from 12 yards out after taking Aaron
Whatley's diagonal pass from the center right.
"He is just amazing," Brown said of the freshman.
"He's all over the place with his arms and legs."
SM went up 2-1 on Bryan Mand's breakaway down the right side
after he took a pass from Chris Wofford.
East made it 2-2 five minutes later on Marc Ward's goal from
just in front of the net as the Mustangs failed to clear the
ball.
"Our guys are to be commended," Brown said. "I
was concerned about a possible letdown. The games are going
to be like that most nights."
He singled out Wofford, Myers, Schallock, Tennant and Whatley
for their play.
"You learn to win games like that," Brown said. "It
becomes a habit I hope."
The Mustangs had a 13-11 advantage in shots. Bryan Newbold made
10 saves for SM while East's Drake Branson had nine.
The Mustang JVs fell to 0-3 with a 7-2 loss. Glen Galbreath
scored both goals.
