David Fernandez
After struggling with the Lawrence County defensive game plan in the 1st half, the Coffee County soccer team notched four 2nd half goals to open the District 8AAA soccer tournament with a 4 to 0 win. After implementing their halftime adjustments, the Raiders were able to counter the stingy Wildcat defense to advance to Wednesday’s semifinal which will be held at home at 7 PM against either Tullahoma or Columbia at the Raider Soccer Field.
“(Lawrence County) had an obvious game plan to just keep the ball out of the net, with their back line never coming off the 18 yard line in the first half and their four midfielders about ten yards in front” said Raider head coach Robert Harper following the game. “We did a good job the first half of being patient and possessing the ball, but at halftime we made an adjustment and started taking more shots from distance and playing crosses earlier in the possession” added Harper.
In the second half, David Fernandez opened the scoring in the 47th minute when he collected a rebound of his own missed shot and found the back of the net. Paco Barrera added a goal in the 57th minute off a pass from Breyer Taylor before Taylor added a goal 2 minutes later on an assist from Victor Ramirez. Ben Reid closed out the scoring for Coffee County in the 75th minute when he nailed a free kick from 40 yards out.
The Raiders now advance to Wednesday’s semifinal where they will face a stern task against either Tullahoma or Columbia. Coach Harper was very pleased with his team’s continuing improvement in ball possession and stressed that it will be important in the next round. “We need to continue to posses the ball and make sharp passes to be successful” said Harper.
The final quarterfinal game takes place on Monday at Tullahoma as Columbia takes on the Wildcats. That winner will visit the Raider Soccer Field at 7 PM on Wednesday. The Raider Soccer Field is located behind the Raider Academy on the McMinnville Highway in Manchester.
