Westwood’s Leo Botello triggers a throw-in against Tullahoma on Tuesday night
Juan Penaloza of Westwood prepares to take a corner kick against Tullahoma during Tuesday’s middle school match.
The Westwood Rockets soccer team opened the first game of the 2015 soccer season strong but could not keep the momentum going as they fell to Tullahoma 3 to 1 on Tuesday night at Dyer Bouldin Field. The Rockets got an opening goal in the 8th minute off of a corner kick from Juan Penalosa to take an early 1 to 0 lead. Tullahoma exploded for three goals in an eight minute span on either side of the halftime break to capture the non-conference win. Tullahoma got 2 unassisted goals in the 25th and 30th minute from Daniel Morataya, the second one on a 40 yard free kick from near midfield, to take a 2 to 1 lead into the half. Tullahoma’s Lucas Scott found the back of the net 3 minutes into the second half for the final tally and Westwood was unable to recover. Tullahoma controlled the midfield for most of the game until a late Rocket’s rally. Westwood was unfruitful in the comeback as two 2nd half shots by Leo Botello were wide of the frame. Both keepers played well in the sloppy conditions as Tullahoma keeper Will Stone stopped 3 shots in the final 20 minutes, while Westwood keeper Cailan McLean had 3 big 2nd half stops himself. With the loss, Westwood opens the season at 0 and 1. The Rockets travel to McMinnville on Friday to take on Warren County in a 6 PM game before a Monday rematch with Tullahoma at 5 PM at East Middle School.
