The 5-0 Todd County Central boys’ soccer team knew Thursday’s matchup with 13th-District rivals Franklin-Simpson would provide an early-season measuring stick. Unfortunately for the Rebels, it was the Wildcats who made a statement with a 5-2 victory to extend their winning run to five matches.
The Rebels got off to a quick start with less than five minutes played when John Ross Cardwell headed home at the far post off a Chris Salazar corner kick for an early lead. However, the Wildcats were back even just four minutes later when Brody McAlister found the back of the net with a header from close range.
McAlister added his second goal in the 17th minute, and Franklin-Simpson stretched the halftime lead to 3-1 on an Oscar Lopez goal off a one-two with Will Speed.
The Rebels looked to have seized the momentum early in the second half when Tanner Henderson scored after Samuel Perez-Camillo’s shot rebounded off the crossbar. But just over a minute later the Wildcats again took a two-goal advantage after Lopez hammered a shot from outside the box to beat Rebel goalkeeper John Mark Campbell at the near post.
After a Rebel foul on a breakaway just outside the box, Lopez put the finishing touch on his hat trick with a laser free kick into the far side netting to cap the scoring with just over 18 minutes left.
Campbell finished with 12 saves, while the Rebels forced 11 from Franklin-Simpson’s Kaden Goodwin.
Todd Central slipped to 1-1 in district play ahead of a trip to Russellville on Tuesday. The Rebels will be looking to make it six wins in a row against the Panthers.
