The DeKalb County High School soccer team continued its perfect season going into last night’s game against White County. The Tigers sportt an unblemished 5-0 record, the streak including a win in the classic rivalry known as the Battle for Silver Point with a 5-1 stinging of the Upperman Bees.
The Tigers got off to a quick start against the Bees with center forward Cristobal Flores continuing his dominant season, scoring an unassisted goal in the fourth minute of the game. Maintaining most of the possession, the Tigers were able to create several good chances on goalkeeper Chandler Street of Upperman who finished the game with 12 saves. One of those chances paid off in the 15th minute with an unassisted goal by right wing Luke Bryant who found a ball bouncing around in the box and placed it into the corner of the net. Trying to capitalize on the counter attack, the Bees continued to test the Tigers defensive back line with long through-balls until one got to Bees forward Landon Walters. Tiger center back Cesar Coronilla raced down the field to catch the Bees forward, but committed a foul resulting in a penalty kick in the 28th minute. The PK was taken and made by Bees forward Teyo Rodriguez. The Tigers led the Bees at as they left the pitch at halftime by a count of 2-1.
In the second half, the Tigers were awarded a free kick and Cristobal made a driving shot on goal. Diving to make the save, the Bees goalkeeper spilled a rebound when attacking midfielder Alan Munoz came crashing into the box and finished the play bringing the score to 3-1 in the 55th minute. Then, in the 64th minute, Cristobal Flores earned a penalty kick when fouled on a break-away chance on goal. Just three minutes later, Tigers goalkeeper Wesley Carpenter delivered his first assist of the season on a long punt that bounced over the Bees goalkeeper. Cristobal came streaking in behind and scored his third goal of the night.
The Tigers have reached their 5-0 record with a 3-0 win over Rockwood and 8-0 crushing of Heritage in the Smoky Mountain Cup that began their season. They then claimed a win over Livingston Academy before stinging the Bees and then going up the mountain to Cumberland County to zoom past the Jets 3-0. After playing White County last night, they schedule this week has them going to Stone Memorial Friday then at Upperman again next Tuesday. The Tigers stand atop their district with a 3-0 mark.
