When Madisonville-North Hopkins and McCracken County last met on the soccer pitch, the Mustangs claimed a 3-2 win on penalty kicks in Madisonville in the 2023 state tournament. McCracken would go on to reach the state semifinals.
In the rematch Saturday at Donley Field, the Maroons never trailed, but had to hold off the Mustangs late to win by that same 3-2 final.
But McCracken (6-5-6) made things interesting when Mason Atnip blasted home a free kick from just outside the box in the 77th minute.
However, Madisonville (10-6-1) was able to kill the remaining time to hold on for the win.
The Maroons got the day’s scoring started on a free kick of their own in the 14th minute. Maddox Schneider scored from about 20 yards out to give the home team a 1-0 lead.
Madisonville then added its second goal in the waning seconds of the first half. Logan Terry beat the goalkeeper to a long ball, touched the ball to the left, then passed it into the net with just 3 seconds showing on the scoreboard clock. Reagan Wilson picked up an assist on the play to send Madisonville to the break with a 2-0 advantage.
McCracken made it a one-goal game early in the second half. Dexter Pacheco dribbled in from the left side and beat the goalkeeper inside the near post. Mason Edwards assisted on the tally in the 43rd minute.
The Maroons scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 67th minute. Aiden Lutz ran on to a through ball from Dom Blanford and beat the keeper to put Madisonville up 3-1.
Hunter Gamblin recorded four saves and Adam Devin made two stops in the Madisonville net.
Lane Grace had seven saves for McCracken.
Madisonville returns to action on Tuesday with a trip to Christian County.
