The top two teams in Division II-AA soccer locked horns on Tuesday in a much anticipated matchup, Both McCallie High School and Father Ryan High School were undefeated in region play entering the match and the Blue Tornado would come out on top with the 5-2 win.
McCallie set the tone early in the match and had the Irish on their heels. The Blue Tornados jumped out to an early lead when the Irish keeper spilled his save and sophomore, Gui Vivaldini, tucked away the rebound.
“He (Vivaldini) is so dangerous. He is a good passer, dribbler, and shooter. He is a special kid.” McCallie head coach Chris Cushenbery said.
McCallie’s attacks came in waves, one after another. The Irish were shell-shocked. A few minutes later, senior, Matthew Warbrick, saw his shot from the left side loop over the keeper and nestle into the right corner to double the host’s lead.
The Blue Tornados got their third goal of the half off of a corner kick. The cross was delivered to the back post with the initial shot deflected before the ball was back heeled in by junior defender, Noah Tremain.
The Irish responded after the break when senior captain, Will Turner, took advantage of the chaos in the box and poked in Father Ryan’s first goal.
“He (Turner) is very instrumental for us, but his leadership on and off the field have been fantastic.” Father Ryan head coach Robin Dieterich said.
Freshman, Daniel Anderson, restored the Blue Tornado’s three goal lead when he scored a flicked header off of a long throw in.
Father Ryan answered with a goal of their own off of a long throw in when the other senior captain, Keefe Eller, fired his shot past the McCallie keeper to cut the lead to 4-2.
McCallie would have the last word when they were awarded a penalty kick after a silky run from Vivaldini. After earning the foul, he stepped up and powered his shot low to the right to give McCallie a 5-2 lead.
Coach Cushenbery was pleased with his side’s performance and is looking forward to the future.
“I’m excited about now, but I’m also excited about the future because we have so many young players.” Said Cushenbery.
McCallie have two region games remaining against Brentwood Academy and Pope John Paul II, as they look to clinch top spot in the district.
The Irish look to bounce back on Thursday when they travel to Lipscomb to finish up district play.