Bryson City – Our Maroon Devils started the season with three tough losses against the 2As Tuscola (away), Tallulah Falls (home), and Brevard (away). Their original goalie, junior Brody Randell, sustained a serious injury in the last game and could possibly be out for the season.
With their fourth game/first conference game of the season the following week, senior captain Austin Shuler spoke to the team after their loss to Brevard on dedication by spending more time practicing in order to become a better team. This proved true Monday, September 12th with a home game against the Cherokee Braves which ended 3-0 for Swain. The first two goals before the half were made by senior Carter Davis by a wide shot from the right side into the left bottom corner and a shot from the 25 yard line over the goalie’s head. Their last goal of the night was by senior Will Ogle in the second half by a one-vs-one against the goalie and a shot to the lower left corner. Freshman Aiden Pond served goalie this game with his first shutout of his soccer career by making some key saves backing up the offence so they could focus on taking more shots. The team improved by being more aggressive by pressuring quicker and looking up more to make a pass to another player. With this continued effort, we can predict more wins like this one this season.
Our Maroon Devils will be playing next against the Yellowjackets of Hayesville Wednesday, September 14th in Hayesville starting at 6PM and against the Wildcats of Andrews Monday, September 19th starting at 6PM here at home.