The Golden Eagles pose with their newly-acquired hardware after beating Coffee County in the District 9-3A championship match. (Submitted photo)
Emmanual Leyva puts the Eagles on the board in the title match with the first goal of the night. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By GARY JOHNSON
Sports Writer
SHELBYVILLE — Shelbyville Central’s Golden Eagle soccer team claimed the District 9-3A Tournament championship on Friday evening at home with a 2-0 win over Coffee County.
The Golden Eagles advanced to the championship game after taking down Spring Hill 3-0 in the semifinals in a game that was moved to Blackman High School after stormy weather conditions Thursday evening.
“This was a weird situation with all of the storms, so we found a host site in Blackman with turf. We are super thankful to all the schools that offered to help us make our tournament happen,” Golden Eagle coach Chris Fritz said.
Shelbyville Central’s first goal score off a shot by Emmanuel Leyva for the 1-0 lead.
The second goal was by Yaden Nino to make the score 2-0 at the half.
“In the second half, we made a ton of subs to keep fresh legs and create a ton of chances. Our young guys have grown so much this year and we ar
District 9-3A MVP Kolby Themm controls the ball for Shelbyville Central in semifinal tournament action on Thursday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
e excited to see them grow,” Fritz said.
The final goal was from Carlos Velazquez.
Leyva dropped a ball back, Velasquez hit it first and then buried the rebound.
In the title game, the Golden Eagles were looking forward to this matchup with Coffee County.
“We haven’t had a chance to truly play at home a lot this year with the weather,” Fritz said. “The boys have been begging for this rematch since a 0-0 tie earlier in the season at home. “
It took some time before the
Golden Eagle Areal Sanchez heads the ball against Spring Hill on Thursday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
Golden Eagles found the back of the net.
“Coffee plays a low block and a very defensive game. They have great defensive structure,” Fritz said. “We dominated the early moments of possession but couldn’t find the goal despite several early beautiful chances.”
The Golden Eagles first goal came from a ball over the back line to Leyva who dunked it over the keeper.
“After this Coffee County aggressively pressed but mostly had a ton of long balls. The game got very chippy with numerous fouls and our boys dug in,” Fritz said.
Shelbyville Central’s final goal was a long ball over the top found Leyva again on a break away which resulted in a slide tackle from behind by a Coffee County defender. Leyva sank the penalty.
“The level of work that we put in is unmatched and I think our boys prove that when we play,” Fritz said. I’m
The Golden Eagles (10-4-2) how Brentwood on Tuesday at home in the region tournament.
“We face a tough test Tuesday at home against one of the states’ all time greats— Brentwood,” Fritz said. “These are the type of tests that we embrace.”
