While Murray didn’t pack the box like recent opponents of University Heights Academy had done, the Tigers used a strong game at midfield and was able to hold off the Blazers 3-2 in their All-A Classic sectional clash Thursday in Murray.
The Blazers, who came into the contest averaging seven goals a game, was held to just 11 shots in the contest by the Murray defense. Murray put up eight shots in each half.
The first half was a defensive battle as both teams struggled to get open looks. Murray was finally able to dent the scoreboard first when Farris Jameel scored off a rebound with less than two minutes to go in the opening period.
Murray would add to their lead six minutes into the second half when Chase Rennick converted a penalty kick after a foul was called on Blazer goalie Quinton Quarles. University Heights would get their first goal of the game four minutes later when William Bryan scored out front.
Murray came right back in the 58th minute when Gabe Taylor took a corner kick and scored on a header.
The Blazers would not roll over, however, as Bryan added his second goal of the game off of a Blazer corner kick with 15 minutes to go. University Heights got a couple of good looks in the final 10 minutes but could not tally the equalizer.
Quarles, a freshman who has been pressed into the starting lineup due to an injury to Will Maxwell, made six of his nine saves in the second half including three in a row in a second-half flurry in front of the net that kept the Tigers off the board. Connor Dill and Noah Shouse had assists on Bryan’s two goals.
Murray improved to 6-1 with the win and will advance to Saturday’s All-A Classic state tournament in Frankfort.
University Heights Academy drops to 5-1 with its first loss of the season, and they are scheduled to host Mayfield Tuesday. The Blazers will be without the services of head coach Frankie Thomas who was ejected late in the contest and will miss the next three games due to KHSAA rules.
