Chestatee boys soccer coach Michael Herrin says its program got a great momentum boost out of its 5-2 win against Buford in the Northeast Georgia Mountains Cup on Saturday at War Eagles Stadium. For the first time this season, the War Eagles have won back-to-back games.
Tied 2-2 with 10 minutes left in an extremely physical contest, Chestatee (6-7) responded with three goals to seal the win.
"We needed a game like this to really beat us up, test us and really build our confidence," Herrin said. "I’m very happy that our team managed to rise to the challenge."
The timing for Chestatee’s win couldn’t have been better after dropping consecutive Area 7-AAA games to Gainesville, Flowery Branch, West Hall and North Hall. The War Eagles are looking to sustain a little momentum through the Mountain Cup, leading into the final stretch of Area games against Creekview, Johnson and Lumpkin County to round out the regular season.
"I think we’re learning how to win again," Herrin added.
Chestatee won the game with its response to Buford’s (5-7) penalties. The Wolves were hit with three yellow cards in the second half, leading directly to a pair of goals by Chestatee’s Jimmy Hatch.
He scored his first goal in the 71st minute on a penalty kick as a result of a foul in the box. Hatch’s second goal was seven minutes later when he struck following a red card against Buford.
"Jimmy put on a clinic today," Herrin said. "His confidence is really taking off."
Emmanuel Ibarra scored twice and Scott Livingston had one goal for the War Eagles. Chestatee goalie Anthony Ward played well with some nice second-half saves to keep the Wolves out of the net.
Buford’s loss in the final minutes was similar to the way it lost to Providence Christian last Thursday, allowing four goals in the final 10 minutes in a 5-3 defeat. Gerardo Mongragon scored twice for the Wolves.
Buford faces Johnson at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Allen Creek Soccer Complex. Chestatee faces Johnson at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Allen Creek.
Riverside Military 4, Apalachee 0
Daniel Vergara had a pair of goals and an assist for the Eagles (8-3) in the Northeast Georgia Mountain Cup Saturday at Chestatee High. Joe Heath added a Riverside goal off a corner kick.
Yun Bae Choi also scored for the Eagles. Riverside goalie Steven Frady kept Apalachee from scoring.
Riverside faces West Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Allen Creek.
Chestatee girls 5, Stephens County 3
Daniela Sotelo scored a goal and had three assists in the Lady War Eagles’ win in the Northeast Georgia Mountains Cup on Friday.
Abi Mills, Saira Saucedo, Kelsey Neukum and Megan Fligg also scored for Chestatee.