In a hard-fought soccer contest between two neighboring schools, perhaps it was appropriate the game ended in a tie.
The visiting Goodrich Martians rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the second half against Brandon Sept. 2, and took a 4-3 lead with ten minutes left. However, the Blackhawks scored one more goal before the end of the game, and the teams finished in a 4-4 tie.
Goodrich coach Nigel Barnett said he was proud of his team for how they played against the Blackhawks.
“Brandon is an excellent team, no two ways about it,” he said. “Our boys played great and showed so much character.”
On the other hand, Brandon coach Nate Hunter said he was disappointed the Blackhawks couldn’t put away the Martians.
“I’m really disappointed,” he said. “I felt like we played real good in minutes, but we didn’t complete the job. We’ll have to take it as a learning experience. Our kids lost their composure defensively, and that cost us. Hopefully, this is a lesson we’ll learn about keeping our mental edge.”
The Blackhawks struck first in the first half on a goal from freshman forward Ryan Morales three minutes into the game before Goodrich senior forward Brian Bourcier knotted the game at one midway through the first half. With about three minutes left the half, Brandon senior Aaron Bayliss scored to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead at intermission.
The Blackhawks increased their lead to 3-1 eleven minutes into the second half on Morales’ second goal of the game. From that point, the Martians made a furious comeback.
Goodrich sophomore Justin Sontag scored to cut the Brandon lead to 3-2, and then junior forward Andrew Hyder scored off a rebound and deflection to knot the game at three. At the ten-minute mark, senior Ryan Mortimer put Goodrich (0-1-1) ahead with a goal.
However, Brandon junior Chris Hunter answered with a goal of his own with seven minutes remaining to wrap up the game’s scoring.
Senior Mark Mayberry played the first half in goal for Goodrich before being relieved by senior Nick McDonald in the second half. Likewise, Brandon used two goalies, with junior Steve Kumpar playing the first half and sophomore Jerry Cronk the second half.
Brandon’s next action is Monday, Sept. 8 when they travel to Linden High School for a 7 p.m. game, while Goodrich travels to Millington Tuesday, Sept. 8 for a 4:30 p.m. game.