The Signal Mountain Eagles soccer team got the best of the Red Bank Lions after eighty minutes full of goals. Signal Mountain knew what their gameplan was and executed it to perfection. With a mix of individual skill and tactical prowess the Eagles conquered their opponent with an intense scoreline of 7-1.
Despite the disproportionate scoreline, Red Bank put up a fight the whole game and never let up. It showed especially in the first half where the Lions held the Eagles off until there were only twelve minutes remaining in the first half. Nevertheless, Signal Moutain had controlled the ball like they did the entire game. Possession from the back was their strength and it created most of their opportunities.
The first two goals were scored by Nicolas Johnson, who had himself a night to remember as he would go on to score two more in the second half. A a lot of signals chances were from controlling the ball on defense and taking their time to work the ball forward and find a cross in.
Red Bank would quickly find the back of the net with a goal from Malachi Stephenson after he was able to beat the keeper one on one and pass it in. unfortunately for the Lions, this would not last because Signal Mountain responded immediately with a goal from Andrew Baker off the header to end the half at 3-1.
Once the second half kicked off it was pretty clear that Signal Mountain were in control and were going to take off with it. They put up four more impressive goals with two of them from Nicolas Johnson. Nicolas Johnson scored three minutes in after a two on one situation that left the keeper stranded. Then it was just one goal after another with goals from Yuji Steele, Nicolas Johnson again for his fourth, and a second goal for Andrew Baker to clinch it for them and settle the debate.
Signal Mountain is currently playing their best game and have shown so much growth. From the beginning of the season there was no doubt that they had talent and skill. Some things just seemed like they weren’t fully woven together to give them that finishing touch. Just like all good teams, you find the weaknesses and build off them. The Eagles did just like that and wrapped up district play last night against Red Bank in the most memorable way possible.
Signal Mountain’s head coach Micheal Goza spoke highly of his team and their performance against a solid competitor. Here is what he had to say.
“We are excited with the result. The guys have worked hard and we had a difficult game against Howard on Tuesday and they responded. It was their effort. The district has been very very competitive and we had a fortunate night. We had two early goals and that allowed us to get momentum. Everybody played with pride and are very happy with the result. We are looking to celebrate senior night next week.”
Coach Goza also gave a shout out to his player of the match, Johnson, as he put up an amazing performance. He spoke about how he played tonight compared to his contributions all season.
“Nicolas Johnson has been doing great. We put him in center forward and he has kind of assumed his responsibility. He is one of our four captains and he really just led from the front. He has been holding guys accountable and he has been holding himself accountable. So, I am proud of his efforts, and he is my shoutout for the game tonight.”
Game Summary
Signal Mountain 3 4 -- 7
Red Bank 1 0 -- 1
Goal Scorers:
Signal Mountain- Nicolas Johnson 4, Andrew Baker 2, Yuji Steele; Red Bank- Malachi Stephenson.
Assists:
Signal Mountain- Cole Moore 2, Charlie Griffen, Isaac Grant, Nathan Johnson, Andrew Baker; Red Bank- Carlos Rivera.