The Ooltewah soccer team didn't like how last season's play came to an end. The Owls lost in the first round of the district tournament. Friday night they faced off with Soddy-Daisy in the District 6-AAA championship game, with a guaranteed spot in next week's region tournament. The guaranteed spot was not enough for the Owls. They scored three goals on the Trojans to earn the top seed and home field advantage for the first round of the region tournament.
Ooltewah will host Walker Valley on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Soddy-Daisy will travel to McMinn County on Tuesday.
Ooltewah head coach Curtis Blair spoke of his team's motivation this year.
"I am really excited for the guys," Blair said. "Getting put out in the first round last year has provided motivation throughout the season. They felt like we underachieved last year. This is pretty much the same team except for a few freshmen."
Matt Lowe and James Reason had first half goals for the Owls. Lowe's goal came in the 11th minute assisted by Luke Gwanthrop. Reason's goal game in the 26th minute, assisted by Lowe.
A 2-0 lead was not enough for Blair and his Owls.
"The wrost lead to have is a 2-0 lead," he said. "They score and it is a one goal game. We talked about controlling the first 10 minutes at half-time and I think we did."
Ooltewah's third goal came off the foot of Billy Sanduski who collected a Craig Golden assist and beat Soddy-Daisy's keeper Chris Rickets.
The Owls' defense limited Soddy-Daisy to just five shots on goal.
Ooltewah keeper Jeremy Williams was named tournament MVP.
"It wasn't a pretty game on either side," Blair continued. "But we settled down in the second half. Our back three and Jeremy did a great job of limiting their chances, especially the dangorous ones."
Ooltewah is now 13-4-2 and has not lost a game since a 3-0 loss at Notre Dame on March 29.
McMinn County will travel to fifth ranked McMinn County next Tuesday at 7 p.m. Ooltewah tied McMinn County 3-3 in their regular season game. Soddy-Daisy and McMinn County did not play in the regular season.
Only the top two teams will advance to sectional play.