GALLATIN Gallatin High School’s boys soccer team is running the gauntlet to conclude the regular season, closing with all seven District 9-AAA opponents over the final seven matches of the campaign.
Gallatin High senior Tyler Carlson dribbles upfield as Beech sophomore Michael Barnard pursues during first-half action.
The Green Wave jumped into the win column in district play on Friday evening, claiming a 3-0 victory over visiting Beech.
“That’s the way we do it every year,” Gallatin head coach Greg Harper said of the schedule. “I like them all in a row with some intensity and fire, and it’s fresh on your mind when you go to the district tournament.”
Gallatin (6-7 overall, 1-1 in District 9-AAA) scored two goals over a 27-second span during the second half. Sophomore Jorge Ruiz and junior Antonio Aquino found the net on plays from close range in the 56th minute.
Beech High senior Connor Starr dribbles into the box during first-half action.
Senior Tyler Carlson redirected classmate John Franklin’s long throw-in in the 67th minute to cap the scoring.
“It really started clicking with us, but it starts with the defense for sure,” said Green Wave senior Cameron Martin, who assisted on Aquino’s goal. “We just need to start working the process, and that’s what we did in the second half.”
Beech (3-8, 1-3) had some chances to strike with senior Connor Starr, but Gallatin senior goalkeeper Deonte Kensinger scrambled to deny Starr from close range in the first half.
Gallatin High senior Cameron Martin dribbles upfield during first-half action. Martin had an assist in the Green Wave’s 3-0 victory on Friday evening.
Starr’s shot hit the crossbar early in the second half with the match still scoreless.
“If we convert either one of those, it’s a different game,” Beech head coach Jeremy Cooke said. “We just need to finish those chances.”
Beech High junior goalkeeper Dalton Hurst steps into a goal kick during first-half action.
Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.