Warriors score late to top WCHS
MURFREESBORO — With the game on the line Brian Campbell made the big play Riverdale needed Tuesday night against the Pioneers.
During the last minute of the game, Campbell floated a shot into the net to propel Riverdale (7-1-1, 3-0 in District 7-AAA) past Warren County 2-1.
“I’d been close the whole game,” said Campbell, who connected on a shot with his left foot from a few yards away to put Riverdale on top. “It made me anxious, but I used that frustration. I get frustrated when I miss shots.”
Campbell’s goal exorcised the demons of some close calls earlier in the game. He just missed on a header with 13:49 remaining in the first half.
He, along with other Warriors, battled for a shot near the goal during the last five minutes of the game. But Warren County continually cleared the ball to avoid damage.
“We had a lot of chances,” said Riverdale’s Travis Copen, who scored the Warriors’ first goal of the game. “We couldn’t get it until the end. We should’ve played better.”
Copen’s goal came on an indirect kick with 23:38 left in the first half. The Pioneers (2-6, 1-2) failed to get in position, and Riverdale took advantage as Copen simply tapped the ball in for a goal.
But Warren County responded.
“That’s the way it is every time we play them,” Warren County coach Charlie Hardee said of facing Riverdale. “Riverdale’s well coached; they’re a confident team.”
Ben Gretzinger got loose and ripped a shot for a goal with 10:11 remaining in the game, knotting the score at 1-1. Gretzinger’s shot was only Warren County’s second of the half.
“When a team looks at the scoreboard and all they need is one, then they have a breath,” Riverdale coach Ali Arman said. “If it’s 3, 4-0, then it’s tougher.”
Riverdale didn’t settle for the tie. Instead, the Warriors got aggressive and attacked the goal.
Jorge Suarez broke free and blasted a shot from point-blank range with 4:21 remaining in the game. Unfortunately for Riverdale, the shot sailed over the goal.
“We had opportunities,” Arman said. “We’ve had games where we’ve had to find ways to win. It’s important that we know how to do that.”
The Pioneers host White County tonight for their Homecoming game, with junior varsity action set for 5 p.m. and the varsity game to follow at 7 p.m.