McCallie’s boys’ soccer won the DII-AA Region Championship again after getting their revenge against the undefeated Chattanooga Christian School. McCallie, after losing 3-1 to CCS earlier this season, had no plans of losing twice to the same team. The challenge would be that CCS had home field advantage. Nevertheless, McCallie played ruthlessly, flipping the scoreline to win 3-1. This would be the first loss of the year for CCS. After an historical fifteen-win season, their streak would come to an end.
“I felt like before we were not bringing the energy we needed,” said McCallie midfielder Alejandro Domiguez. “Now we need to bring this energy. When we do bring the energy, we become unstoppable. I love it because everybody is involved. Everybody likes to play. Ryan and Mikeal are great players. Brooks as well. We get to play one touch, two touch fast and I love that. I saw Fin shooting the ball. I thought it was going in so I was already celebrating. Then I saw the ball hit the post and said no, no. This ball was going in and with my life I put the ball in. The first game hurt, obviously. You never want to lose in your field. Getting to come here, beat them in their field, with this energy is just perfect.”
The game was a physical one right off the bat. Each team wanted to make a point and the referees knew it. it was no surprise when a few early yellow cards would be given to calm things down. CCS started well, controlling possession and tempo. They came close on several chances, but they were just shy of taking the lead. McCallie, after taking their time to find their attacking strength, would score first with the help of midfielder Alejandro Dominguez. Fin Arnold took a shot at goal that would bounce off the post. Domiguez was right there to make a diving header and take the lead.
After heading into halftime with McCallie up 1-0, things needed to be addressed. McCallie needed to find a way to clinch the win and CCS needed a comeback. Not long into the half, McCallie would find their clinching goal from their other center midfielder Brooks Hilger. Elliot Arnold made his run towards goal, sending a ball to the feet of Hilger. He finished it off the crossbar to give them a second point. Shortly after Ryan Rodriguez made a run into to box from the left to make it three.
CCS would find a goal late in the second half after a perceived handball from Domiguez. After both teams argued with the referee, the penalty was given and Bryson Haga would burry it into the left side of the net. Despite the scoreline, CCS played well against McCallie. They took several strong chances and moved the ball extremely well. It just did not seem to be their night in the final third of play.
“It was great loss or us early in the year,” said Coach Cushenbery. “Just to sort through the fact that if we don’t give our best then it is not enough. We know our best is good enough. If guys go and do the little things and work hard, we can be a really great team. We want to play well. It is easy to try and play direct. But we know that is not who we want to be. We want to control the ball and control the game. I was pleased, today, to see us do that. Alejandro has so much heart. His energy was great today both offensively and defensively. He gets the bench up and he gets everybody going. when we get that level of heart, combined with playing good soccer, it is fun. For Will to step in and do what he has done is fantastic. We lost Ryan, last year, who was an all-state and national champion. To bring in a freshman, Will made some great saves today. He played well and was composed. I was super proud of him.”
Game Summary
McCallie 1 2 --3
CCS 0 1 --1
Goal Scorers:
CCS- Bryson Haga; McCallie- Alejandro Dominguez, Brooks Hilger, Ryan Rodriguez.
Assists:
McCallie- Fin Arnold, Eliott Arnold.