BRADLEY CENTRAL and McMinn Central players race for possession of the ball in soccer action Tuesday afternoon. Banner Photo, SARALYN NORKUS
The game started off with both teams at a virtual stalemate, unable to get more than two shots on goal apiece in the first half.
“We had a couple bad touches, people looked like they were scared to get involved, but I think it settled down in the second half when we were able to string a lot of passes together,” head coach Tucker Blackmon said.
The first 40 muddy minutes of play ended scoreless, with neither team able to pull out a goal.
After an uneventful first half, the second half began with the Chargers hitting the goalpost at the 45 minute mark.
The Bears then took control of the bogged-down field and their defensive plays allowed McMinn Central practically no more scoring opportunities.
Bradley’s lone goal came in just after 58 minutes of play from Austin Childs with the assist coming from Mason McHann.
“We settled down and we had a lot of opportunities and luckily we finished one. McMinn Central is a strong team and they always play us really hard,” Blackmon stated. “I told the boys I’d give it a ‘B,’ so ... a pretty good performance. I hope we’ll be cleaner and sharper. The field is pretty soaked through, guys were slipping, the skidding of the ball — I think that threw us off.”
With the opening game jitters out of the way, coach Blackmon hopes that Tuesday’s game serves as a starting point for the Bears to improve upon.
“I’m hoping it’s a good springboard, when you saw us possess the ball you know seven, eight, nine, 10 passes in a row and working in triangles and checking back for the ball — that was when I was the happiest. If I see more of that, I’ll be happy.”
The Bears will be back in action Thursday, as they travel to take on Silverdale Baptist Academy in Chattanooga at 7 p.m.
BRADLEY CENTRAL 1,
MCMINN CENTRAL 0
Halftime score: 0-0
Goal: Bradley Central: Austin Childs
Assist: Bradley Central: Mason McHann
Records: Bradley Central 1-0, McMinn Central 0-1.
