Tallahassee SC Tops Southern States SC 3-1 in U-19 Match

By 3Ssoccer Media

Tallahassee SC came to The Oakes at the top of the table and left with their undefeated season intact.  As per usual, Southern States SC Stars had the bulk of possession and created numerous chances.  The difference in this match, however, turned out to be two penalty kicks awarded to Tallahassee.  Both of which Andrew Geyer put away for a 2-0 lead they never relinquished.   

Momentum seemed to swing in favor of the home team in the 62nd minute when Romar Smith scored for the Stars off a corner kick scrum in front of the goal.  The energy at The Oakes shifted and the Stars capitalized on their possession to get ten shots off in the second half alone.  Tallahassee’s defense held firm, bending without breaking.  In the 77th minute, their effort was rewarded when Chase Smith got a rebound off a save by Stars goalkeeper Ethan Crump and calmly passed in the final goal of the match. 

Tallahassee head coach Joshua Bruno was pleased to leave The Oakes with a victory.

“I thought the boys did excellent,” Bruno said. “And we were lucky to get out of here with the result we did because Southern States really created a lot of trouble for us.  We had to get bailed out a few times in the end by our keeper who made a bunch of big saves today.”  

Indeed, Tallahassee goalkeeper Tyler Sloan was heroic with eight saves on the day. 

When asked about other outstanding performances, Bruno came up with several players to highlight.  

“Our goal scorer Andrew Geyer who scored the two penalty kicks,” Bruno added. “And then Ethan Stewart, our number ten, ended up playing center back for us because of the injury in the first half to one of our players.  He helped change the game a little bit being more secure in the back.”

Regarding his strategy coming into the match, Bruno said, “Our hope was to be organized and not give so many chances on our own because they are so good at creating chances by themselves.”

In the end, possession and shots did not result in goals for the Stars.  For Tallahassee, a stout defense coupled with sterling goalkeeping provided the base from which they created opportunities and ultimately goals.  It was a well-played match between two quality clubs with Tallahassee SC ending the day as they started, undefeated and at the top of the table.

Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson