The McCallie Blue Tornado finished out the men’s district soccer season with a strong win against the Knoxville Webb Spartans by scoring five unanswered goals. This was led with the help of both starters and reserve players who all played phenomenally. McCallie sought to win well against Webb In order to prove a good run for state again this year. Winning 5-0 not only showed how dangerous they were, but how determined they will continue to be late in the year.
“When we have the chance to play today and then turn around and play again tomorrow,” said Coach Chris Cushenbery, “you have to stay sharp. We were really sharp and we had twenty two players play and moved the ball well. We controlled the ball and controlled the game to create chances in order to be a good team and accomplish a goal. it always takes more than eleven. We have thirty guys total. If all thirty of us show up then we cant lose. If we just rely on a couple people then we don’t know. If we are all engaged and we are all in then we feel like we cant lose.”
The first goal, scored by Brad Conner, would open the score sheet with twenty minutes left in the first half. Alejandro Dominguez gave the assist as they used their unique passing in the box to open up space. McCallie took their time building up the play and finding their options. They looked comfortable the entire match, keeping Webb on their toes with every pass. After the first goal, it seemed like the Blue Tornados couldn’t be stopped. Three more goals would be scored before halftime.
The first of these three would be scored by Ryan Rodriguez with an assist from midfielder Brooks Hilger. They worked quickly to get a ball in behind the defense and Rodriguez to the shot with ease. The third goal was set up by Conner, who had remarkable match. He play a ball past the defense again to Francisco Borges who finished it well. The final goal of the half was scored by none other than Conner again. Another brake away and they would get their fourth of the half.
The second half, McCallie focused on their transitions and possession in order to maintain control of the game. they let a lot of their reserve players in, giving them their time to shine. They didn’t disappoint, as they were able to control the field and dominate Webb. The last goal came from Dominic Murray. The build up started in the midfield as usual. Rodriguez got the assist and settled the debate with their 5-0 win. Another great story was Marvin Johnson involvement in the game. Whenever he came onto the pitch the fans became electric. It was his first time playing soccer for McCallie. Yet he is a world class athlete.
“I’m originally form the Bahamas,” said Marvin Johnson. “When I was younger, I played soccer. At heart I am a swimmer. I’m the sixth ranked recruit in the class of 2025. Swimming is all that I did in the past four years at McCallie. After the swim season ended, I got the opportunity from coach Cush to come out here and do the sport that I have loved since I was a kid. Especially before I go to the University of Florida where it will be pretty brutal. Playing with these guys is a lot of fun. These guys are really good soccer players. You can see that game in game out. Just being able to practice with them and help them with their game is enough. They let me be apart of this team in practices and it the weight rooms. Then being able to come out on game days. I might not be the best player or remotely close to it, but I love these guys and I appreciate for what they gave me.”
Game Summary
Knox Webb 0 0 --0
McCallie 4 1 --5
Goal Scorers:
McCallie- Brad Conner 2, Ryan Rodriguez, Francisco Borges, Dominic Murray.
Assists:
McCallie- Alejandro Dominguez, Brooks Hilger, Brad Conner, Ryan Rodriguez.