Pioneer soccer edged by Blaze
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The Blackman Blaze entered the contest with a 3-1 district record, while the Pioneers were holding on to a 3-2 district record.
Warren County was hoping to deliver the knockout punch and even the race for first place in District 7-AAA. But the Blaze needed just one goal to hold off Warren County as Blackman defeated the Pioneers 1-0.
Warren County?s play in the first half would be crucial if the Pioneers were to have a chance of stopping the Blaze.
The Blaze scored early in the game after taking two shots at goal, Blackman?s Matt Reed caught Warren County?s keeper Tucker Chastain out of position at the 35:38 mark, for what would be the only goal of the game.
Warren County?s defense stepped up and did a solid job of covering the passing lanes, while not allowing Blackman?s offense a chance to recycle.
At the 33:51 mark the Pioneers had their first chance to score when Cody Cowens fired an in-direct kick, but it was knock to the right of the goal by Blackman?s keeper.
For the remaining thirty-minutes both teams picked up the pace as the game became more physical. Blackman had two good chances to extend its lead with under six minutes left in the half. The Blaze were awarded an indirect kick in front of the Pioneer net, but Warren County?s defense once again stepped turned down the attempt.
Chastain made a diving save at the 2:56 mark to send the Pioneers into the half trailing by one goal.
Play continued to get heated in the second half. The Pioneers came out more spirited and physically took the game to Blackman. Warren County, was some what relaxed on offense in the first half, but turned things around and making the Blaze defense work hard in the second half.
The Pioneers had three attempts on goal in the half, and controlled the game for the final five minutes. But it wasn?t Warren County?s night as the Pioneers failed to find the back of the net as Blackman picked up the crucial district victory.