Middle School Soccer Squad Loses 2-0 at Christiana
by Coach Larry Davis
  The Tullahoma Middle School soccer squad faced its biggest challenge of the season against non-conference opponent Murfreesboro Christiana Middle School and lost its first game 2-0. This was Tullahoma's third match in four days, and Tullahoma was a bit sluggish early in the game. Christiana came out aggressively and knocked several shots off the post and into the hands of Tullahoma goalkeeper Daniel Graves before Tullahoma began responding with offensive attacks of their own. Tullahoma missed on a great opportunity when a ball crossed into the box by Matthew Huffer was headed just wide of the post by Josh Thompson. Christiana scored in stoppage time when a rebound off the far post was slammed home by a charging Christiana midfielder. Christiana took the momentum from that goal into the second half and got their second goal four minutes into the half off a perfectly placed shot from 25 yards out. After the goal, Travis Dorman, Andrew Mirtes, Steven Sewell, Bradley Daniel, Joseph Burke, David Mead, and Steven Moon led a Tullahoma defense that turned the direction of the game in Tullahoma's favor. Although Tullahoma dominated play the remainder of the game, their shots either missed the mark or were thwarted by the Christiana goalkeeper and Tullahoma was shutout for the first time this season.
  Tullahoma resumes conference play at home Friday night at 5:30PM with a match against Shelbyville Harris MS. As both teams are tied for first place in the conference, the winner of the match will claim sole possession of first place.
  In JV action, the TMS JV continued their unbeaten streak winning 4-1. Zach Norris and Joey Ortiz combined to get a ball on the weak side of the goal where outside midfielder Hayden Hines slammed it home. In the second half, Christiana scored on a long breakaway. Tullahoma recovered and pressed the attack the remainder of the match, pressuring the Christiana goalkeeper into making numerous saves. Zach Norris notched a goal in the 33rd minute off an assist by Lucas Mitchell. A well placed corner kick by Reid Vining allowed Austen Young to sneak a ball in far post for the third Tullahoma goal. Joey Ortiz completed the Tullahoma scoring with a solo shot past the Christiana keeper. Outstanding defensive play by Chris Reynolds, Alex Stidham, Kyle Gruber, and Brandon Tucker prevented several second half Christiana attacks from becoming goals.