Todd County Central’s trip to the All A Classic State Soccer Tournament ended on Saturday the same way it did last year – with a shutout loss in the quarterfinals.
However, Rebels coach Mike Smith liked what he saw from his squad following Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Oneida Baptist Institute.
“We knew it was going to be tough, especially with the turf and the heat. We made a better showing (this year) even though the score didn’t reflect it,” Smith said.
Saturday’s match at the Collegiate High turf field was delayed 15 minutes due to the heat, which had a field temperature of 94.8 degrees before a cloud bank moved over the field and allowed the contest to begin.
OBI (12-3), a Southern Baptist boarding school located in Clay County, used its quickness in midfield to control possession and gain a 7-2 shot advantage in the first half.
The lone goal of the first 40 minutes came when Hero Khajohnsupawatchara found Amadeus Martin in the 26th minute for the score.
OBI added to its advantage when Samuel Cho headed home a corner kick off the foot of Noah Jeon in the 44th minute.
OBI was awarded a penalty kick when Todd Central was called for a handball in the box 10 minutes later. Jonathan Fan banged it home for a 3-0 lead.
OBI’s final goal came when Cho cleaned up a missed shot in front of the net. His shot hit the crossbar and appeared short of the goal line. After a brief discussion, the officials awarded Cho the goal.
Todd Central outshot OBI 7-5 in the second half but was kept off the scoreboard for the first time this season.
“Our intensity and discipline wasn’t where it needed to be. We get away with stuff down where we play because the soccer’s just not where it is here. We were doing the right thing but we don’t clear one ball, and they get a corner kick, and score,” Smith said. “That’s a corner kick, a PK, and a questionable goal. Three moments where earlier we could have just changed the play so I hope we learn from it going forward.”
Todd Central was making its second straight All A state quarterfinal appearance – the first two in school history. Last year, the Rebels lost to eventual All A state champion Collegiate 10-0. The Rebels then finished the season 2-2-1 with a loss in the district championship and region semifinals.
But Smith says the circumstances are different this year.
“I have nine freshmen that didn’t have that experience last year, so I going to hope this team, even though they didn’t show it today, is a little more mature and balanced and disciplined than we’ve had in the past,” Smith said. “We’ve met every loss (this year) with a win. They have responded to everything so I’m hoping the pattern continues where they understand what we need to do going forward, and they do.”
Todd County Central (12-3-1) will host Apollo on Thursday with three regular-season games left on the schedule.
All A Classic State Soccer coverage is sponsored by Planters Bank.
