Another boys’ soccer senior night classic went down at Signal Mountain high school when the Signal Mountain Eagles defeated the East Hamilton Hurricanes 2-0. East Hamilton offered a tough challenge for the Eagles, but they were unable to best them in any way. Signal Mountain used skill and precision to work the ball around quickly and control the entire game. The Seniors played their part in the victory as well. Especially Andrew Baker and Charlie Griffin, who dictated the possession and strengthened their attack.
“Playing for this team is an honor,” stated senior veteran Charlie Griffin. “To be able to captain such a growing program and the family that we have become over this past season. Thanks to coach, we have been able to handle and be such a calm figure in the back, and up top and in the middle as well. Moving forward I think we will do pretty well. Every game is go out there and give one hundred percent. To try and lead by example by giving one hundred percent. Showing everyone that leaving everything on the field is how you win. I plan on going to UTC, playing football, and getting my degree in finance.”
The whistle blew and the first half kicked off full of action. Both sides were finding their feet and figuring out their game plans. Each showed promising skill and attacking prowess. However, the advantage the Eagles held over the Hurricanes was their ability to move the ball quickly. They would win the ball and immediately transition to offense. Their midfield had plenty of playmakers to create chances. Not to mention the speed of the wingers to get past the defense and put a pass in. That’s exactly what happened when Andrew Baker broke past the defense and sent a beautiful cross to Fabian Hoepnner. Hoeppner, sitting at the top of the box, hit it first time a scored a screamer to give them the lead.
“Ever since coach storm came in,” said senior leader Andrew Baker, “we have always played this build up playstyle. We like to play through our midfield. We had a really good midfield last year and that is how it started. Our motto is to be patient and wait for it to come to us. It has really worked for us. We got a win today and we got some wins on multiple other occasions. That first goal started all the way from the other side. It made its way around and ended up getting to me. I knew it was a mismatch, so I took him on one-on-one. I played a ball that was not even supposed to get to Fabian. He scored an absolute screamer. I don’t even deserve the assist because that was just an insane goal.”
East Hamilton picked up their game in the second half as they were able to find more chances. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, this would not be enough. To settle it, Signal would find another goal and clinch the win. Hoeppner took the corner well giving their players a chance in the box. The ball deflected off the East Hamilton defender and landed right at the feet of Malachi Drumm. Drumm wasted no time and blasted a shot towards goal, making sure the keeper stood no chance of stopping it. Later in the game, Baker would have a chance to score a penalty, but the keeper had other plans. The penalty was taken low in the bottom left corner. The keeper just barely got a hand on it to deny his goal. The game ended 2-0 in favor of the Signal Mountain Eagles.
Game Summary
East Hamilton 0 0 --0
Signal Mountain 1 1 --2
Goal Scorers:
Signal Mountain- Fabian Hoeppner, Malachi Drumm.
Assists:
Signal Mountain- Andrew Baker, Fabian Hoeppner