Soccer Tigers fall one goal short, twice more

The Republic soccer team continued a late-season slump with two
more one-goal losses – one on the road at Carl Junction and one at home to Bolivar on the Tigers’ Senior Night. The latter game ended in penalty kicks, which Bolivar won 4-2.
At Carl Junction, the only goal of the night came in the 50th minute, when a Carl Junction forward rocketed the ball right to left across the goal and into the corner beyond the reach of Republic goalkeeper Drake Lightfoot. Republic had multiple chances to even the score, including several shots in
the final two minutes, but couldn’t finish.
“We did a nice job controlling the ball. I thought we looked really good out there. We controlled the game and gave ourselves good opportunities, but it’s the same thing since Marco went out,” said coach Kevin Hauck. “Who’s going to be our finisher? And we just haven’t had the opportunity of someone stepping up and making those big goals for us late in the game.”
On Senior Night against Bolivar, Republic managed two goals, but ended regulation in a 2-2 tie. Bolivar jumped ahead 2-0 before Republic got two goals from
Phillip Mason to even the score. Neither team scored in the two 10-minute over- time periods, but Bolivar’s keeper made two saves to lift the Liberators to victory on penalty kicks.
Before the game, Republic honored six seniors: Isaac Jordan, Braden Judson, Holden Kendrick, Jackson McGuire, Brendon Roberts and Nathan Stalnaker.
“They’re a fun group to work with. They want to have fun, (but) they they work hard, and they get along really well with each other, and they support each other,” said coach Kevin Hauck.
The Tigers have struggled over the past few weeks,
dropping to 6-12 with their loss to Bolivar. But Hauck said he remains hopeful they will be able to make some positive memories down the stretch.
“You definitely want to have a better year your senior year. But like I told them, and I’ve said it before, but with all the one- goal losses ... any of those go our way, we’re 12-6 on the season. We’ve just got to keep our heads up and keep fighting through. We know we’re a good team, so all that matters is going into districts. If we can get some that bounce our way ... we can turn the season around.”

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
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