Moments after playing his final home soccer match of his career - a 3-0 victory against Ensworth Saturday afternoon - McCallie senior captain Tommy Ellis talked about the final two weeks of the season.
"We want to finish the season strong for coach Meyers (who leaves for Iona (N.Y.) Prep in the summer), "said Ellis. "Hopefully we have three more matches to play and for us its focusing on playing every ball, playing hard and tough the entire match."
The Blue Tornado (9-4-3) did those things well today as the victors outshot Ensworth, 18-3, (with three second half goals) and allowed only three shots, all coming in the first half.
McCallie travels to MBA in Nashville next week for a state quarterfinal match.
After a scoreless first 40 minutes, senior Timi Coker found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead in the 41st minute on a pass from Marshall Martin.
In the 68th minute, Ellis sent the ball to Coker whose shot to the far post slipped past a diving Ensworth goalkeeper Matt Garside for a 2-0 lead.
Six minutes later, Ellis found freshman Drew Viscomi down the right side who in turn crossed the ball to Martiin who put the final goal past Garside.
"We had the ball too much in the middle in the first half so we got the ball on the wings where we can be dangerous and were able to score," said coach Meyers. "We had some shots on goal (headers) in the first half, but were not able to finish."
"We played well on defense and offense and I am happy for our seniors as they win their final home match."
Meyers pointed out the defensive efforts of a pair of center backs - senior Hamilton Heald and junior Michael Chirumbole.
"They did a real good job in the middle to stop Ensworth's No.7 (Jake Estes) who is a real threat and outside defender Wes Brown also played well," Meyers stated.
Cha Cha Goo-lay ... The seniors hope to say the long standing pre-game chant three more times - state quarters, semis and finals - before both they and coach Meyers say good-bye.
Next Match: McCallie plays at MBA next week in a state quarterfinal match with the winner advancing to the Spring Fling FInal Four in Murfreesboro ... McCallie and MBA played to a 0-0 tie earlier in the season ... and lost to MBA in the state quarters last year ... McCallie has not beaten MBA since the 2012 season
McCallie 3, Ensworth 0
Ensworth 0 - 0 -- 0
McCallie 0 - 3 -- 3
McC - Timi Coker (Marshal Martin) 41st minute, 1-0
McC - Timi Coker (Tommy Ellis) 68th minute, 2-0
McC - Marshal Martin (Drew Viscomi), 74th minute, 3-0
Records: McCallie (9-4-3) Ensworth (3-11-1)
Stats
Goals: McCallie, 3-0
Shots McCallie, 18-3
Corner Kicks McCallie, 5-0
Balls Won in the Air: McCallie, 30-27
Fouls: Ensworth, 8-7
Hand Balls: McCallie, 2-0
Offsides: McCalllie, 3-1
Free Kicks: Ensworth, 12-9
Saves: Ensworth, 7-1
Goalkeepers: McCallie (Ryan McGregor - 1 save) Ensworth (Matt Garside - 7 saves)
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net