Middlesboro soccer teams advance to district championship
Published 11:54 pm Wednesday, October 9, 2019
<p>Photos by Ray Welch | Daily News</p> <p>Thaisan Sin makes a move on a Knox County defender in a previous game. The Yellow Jackets squared off against Harlan County on Thursday for the 50th District championship.</p>
<p>Jordyn Ferguson makes a save during a previous game against Harlan County. The Lady Jackets battled Harlan County for a district championship on Thursday.</p>
Yellow Jackets advance to district championship
The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets’ boys soccer team tallied their ninth win of the season and a berth in the 50th District championship on Thursday against the Harlan County Black Bears after downing the Barbourville Tigers 10-0 on Tuesday at Harlan County.
“We had a great team effort, both offensively and defensively,” said coach Tim Millett. “We were very focused on moving the ball quickly and attacking the goal on offense.”
TJ Patterson had three goals early in the first half with one assist. Jabari Kyle had three goals and one assist in limited action. Junior Arrietta picked up two goals and one assist. Thiasan Sin tallied one goal and one assist.
Sopheaktra Sin had one goal and one assist, and Ethan Barton had one assist.
“We had our full team for the first time this year. With everyone out there, it gives us an overall speed dimension that helps tremendously — both offensively and defensively,” said Millett. “It also give us the depth we need to compete at a high level. It was a fun game for everyone.”
Millett said that Braden Ausmus played another great game in goal while also tallying an assist on offense.
The Yellow Jackets will face the Black Bears for the fourth time this season. The two teams tied in their last match-up — a 1-1 draw in Middlesboro on Oct. 1. Middlesboro won the two previous games by a combined score of 9-1.
“We’re playing for another district championship, and winning it is one of our goals this year,” said Millett. “We must stay focused and come out ready to play for the entire game.”
Lady Jackets advance to district championship
The Middlesboro Lady Jackets clinched a berth in the 50th District championship after defeating the Knox Central Lady Panthers 2-1 in a shootout on Wednesday. The win was only the Lady Jackets’ third of the season, but it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Amber Mullins scored Middlesboro’s lone goal in regular time. Macy Bruce earned the assist. Jordyn Ferguson was credited with 20 saves during the game.
Against Knox Central this season, Middlesboro won one of three match-ups, including a 2-1 victory on the road on Sept. 12.
The Lady Jackets were slated to take on Harlan County in the championship game on Thursday.
