On Tuesday, January 31st, the Columbus Varsity Men’s 3A Soccer team welcomed the Carrollton Trojans to the Odis Spencer Stadium and defeated them 1-0.
Coming into the game, the Blue Devils knew that the opposing team wouldn’t be intimidated due to the fact that they are used to playing top-level competition.
Carrollton High is classified as a 7A school, however, the team doesn’t “really think too much about classification,” and “discussed that it would be a difficult match,” according to Coach Torres.
Throughout the game, the score remained 0-0 with excellent saves from CHS goalie, Ryan Collins(10).
Going into half-time, the team had to strategize and make changes in regard to player runs and areas to target during the team's buildup.
In the last 10 seconds of the game, the Devils got a free kick for a handball right outside the 18 yd box. CHS junior, Jacob Entlich, set the ball while the Carrollton defenders were preparing to set up a wall, catching them by surprise and taking a well-placed shot that ended up hitting the back of the net.
"What went through my head was just the clock," stated Entlich, "I knew I had to rush but also put the ball on target. As soon as the kid turned his back, I shot the ball and next thing I knew the ball was in the net."
“[Although] we struggled to take advantage of the available space we had to play, the team showed a great mental capacity to put any mistakes aside and remain focused until literally the last second [of the game],” remarked Coach Torres, “and our biggest strength was resilience and always chasing the win despite not having our best game.”
Prior to this victory, CHS tied 1-1 in a scrimmage against Bremen High School, with the score made by #19 Eugene Autry(12).
When the Bremen defenders cleared a ball to the top of the box, Autry was given the opportunity to run in and strike it first time, putting CHS ahead 1-0. Later on in the game, the opposing team tied the score with a counterattack.
"We are just starting to get into the swing of things, new season and some different tactics," remarked Entlich, "as we start playing a few more games, I feel like we will have everything perfected and will be unstoppable."
Up Next for the Blue Devils:
East Coweta at 8:00 pm on Friday, February 3rd (Home)
Pike County at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 7th (Away)
Carver High at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 15th (Away)