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Mustangs edge Madison
SMHS's Cory Carpenter Herald photo by Carey Phillips

Israel Vargas plays the ball toward the Madison goal in Smoky Mountain's 3-1 victory last week.

Smoky Mountain defeated Madison 3-1 in non-conference soccer action Sept. 20 at Carr Hooper Stadium/Babe Howell Field.

The teams had battled to a scoreless tie earlier this season at Marshall.

"It was nice to score on them," Coach Dolphus Brown said. "I felt a real weight was lifted after the first goal. We really played well. We passed well."

The first goal game from Stephen Brown at the 28:52 mark with an assist by Chris Tennant. The pass came from the right side to the middle with Brown collecting the ball and scoring from eight yards out.

The Patriots drew even early in the second half on Brandon Blevins' penalty kick at 43:14. The goal came after the Mustangs were called for a hand ball in the box.

It didn't take long for SM to go back in front. The Mustangs had three shots in rapid succession with the ball hitting the top of the post and coming back to Cory Carpenter, who knocked it in.

The play put SM up 2-1 at the 47-minute mark.

"Cory was in the right place at the right time," Brown said.

David Leonard added an insurance goal with five minutes to play from 15 yards out. He knocked it in with his left foot.

"He saw the ball in front of him," the coach said. "He's strong with his left foot too."

The Mustangs finished with an 18-16 edge in shots. SM's Will Peoples and Madison's Adam Fossan both made six saves.

"Jimmy Welch stepped up and played better," Brown said. "Matt Taylor continues to play well."

Back to Sports: 09/28/00.