McCallie's Benjamin Brock chases down a ball in the first half.
photo by Greg Davick
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. --The last time McCallie won a state soccer title before today, - 1999 - the Blue Tornado seniors were in diapers and couldn't spell s-o-c-c-e-r.
Today, they definitely know how to spell c-h-a-m-p-i-o-n as McCallie defeated previously unbeaten MBA, 3-2, here at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex for the D-II AA state crown.
MBA (13-1-1) took a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the match on a goal by Luke Bernatavitz, only to have McCallie tie it at 1-1 two minutes later on a Noah Tremain goal off a corner kick by Drew Viscomi.
McCallie pushed the lead to 3-1 in the second half on goals by All-American Viscomii (45th minute, assist Andre Roberts) followed by what proved to be the winner by William Hart (55th minute, assist Noah Cingilli).
But the 2015 champs from MBA didn't let up and pressured the McCallie defense to the end, pulling to within a goal by Ellis Moore in the 78th minute.
"Before the match I told our players 'want the ball', 'press like crazy' and 'keep the ball.'", said McCallie coach Chris Cushenbery.
"MBA is a great team and it means a lot to beat them and get the monkey off our backs.
"I told the senors who when I coached them in middle school as sixth graders that our goal was to hang state championship banners and we did that today."
Last Time: The last time MBA had lost a match was to Christian Brothers in the 2-16 state final ... and last time the Big Red had allowed three goals in a match was in a 3-1 regular season loss to Father Ryan last season.
It's Christmas - Cingilli. easiest way to remember how to pronounce McCallie senior Noah Cingilli's last name ... It's Jiing a Lah .. as in jingle bells and fa-la-la ..
Early Birthday Present: Cingilli , a Lookout Mtn. resident, turns 18 Saturday May 27 .. born in 1999 ... had the winning goal in the semis and an assist today on Hart's goal ... excellent way to end a prep career.
Hart and Allergies: Last summer junior William Hart was diagnosed with numerous allergies and now needs two shots a week to live a normal life.
"I believe I am allergic to everything on God's green earth," said Hart after the match.
"I fought through depression and anxiety last summer before the doctor's found what was wrong with me. I give credit to my teammates who have stood by me and given me lots of encouragement through all these tough times."
McCallie 3, MBA 2
MBA 1 - 1 -- 2
McC 1 - 2-- 3
Stats:
Goals: McCallie, 3-2
Shots: MBA, 15-13
Saves: McCallie Emerson Brock (5) MBA Dean Cheevers (2)
Fouls: MBA, 13-10
Free Kicks: 12-12
Offsides: McCallie, 1-0
Hand Balls: 0-0
Corner Kicks: MBA, 9-3
Yellow Cards: 2-2
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net