Pioneers top Siegel Middle 5-1
The Warren County Middle School soccer team defeated Siegel Middle School Thursday night 5-1 at Nunley Stadium.
Siegel didn’t waste any time getting on the board in the first period. With five minutes off the clock, Siegel’s mid-fielder drove down the middle and fired a shot just past Warren County goalie Tucker Chastain.
The Pioneers played defense for most of the first period, and with 10 minutes left in the half Siegel had its second opportunity to score off of a direct kick from 25 yards out. Chastain timed his jump perfectly and sent the ball over the crossbar to hold Siegel to a 1-0 lead. With just under five minutes to play Warren County’s Cody Cowens was awarded a direct kick and made it a 1-1 tie going into halftime.
Siegel had the first chance to score in the second half, but sent their shot wide right. The Pioneers turned up their offense and with 10 minutes off the clock Tony Girabaldi scored to give WCMS a 2-1 lead. The Pioneers kept the ball on the offensive side of the field and just missed their third goal when the ball sailed just over the crossbar. With 18 minutes left in the game Seigel had their chance to tie the game as the ball struck Chastain’s hand and bounced off the post.
Warren County took the ball on offense and found Girabaldi cutting through the middle of the field. Girabaldi worked his way between the defense and scored his second goal of the night to give the Pioneers a 3-1 lead.
Seigel’s offense would not be a factor for the rest of the game and defense would soon fade away as Matt Nelson scored the Pioneers’ fourth goal with eight minutes to play. Two minutes later Girabaldi scored his third goal of the game to seal the Pioneers’ victory.
“I was very pleased with our effort tonight,” said coach Matt Jackson. “Last week was spring break and I wanted to get in a couple of practices before the game this week. I didn’t want the kids to come back from spring break and have to play a game on Monday.
“They worked very hard tonight and did a good job both on offense and defense.”
The Pioneers return to action Monday, with a 5:30 road game at Crossville.