It was a slow starter with Highlands down 1-0 going into halftime. But after a quick formation change to add another forward on the front line and Highlands came out gunning in the second half for a final of 4-2.
“It was just pure effort,” said Head Coach Brett Lamb. “We never gave up.”
Murphy’s defense was familiar with Ruis Torres’ face as he spent much of Monday’s game in the opponent’s penalty box putting pressure on the goal.
Freshman Ruis Torres was a common fixture near Murphy’s goal and scored a goal in the second half.
“It was pretty slippery out there but that helped me splitting defenders and using their momentum against them,” said Torres.
Hunter Collins heads the ball against Murphy on Monday.
Senior Hunter Collins said they thought it would be more of a physical game, but both teams kept things somewhat cordial and even though the field was slick, both teams maintained control of the ball well.
“In the first half, we didn’t do so hot,” said Collins. “Then in the second half we just wanted it more.”
Next up on the schedule is Tuesday at 6 p.m. away at Tallulah Falls.
“They’re a very physical team but with our skill, our ball movement and passing like I know we can, then we have a good chance,” said Lamb.
Highlands goalie Ethan Tate takes a shot to the ribs while jumping for the ball.
Even though Highlands earned the win against Tallulah Falls earlier this season, Torres said he hopes to do even better Tuesday.
“Last game we won 2-0, I’m hoping we win but I want to put some more numbers up on the board,” said Torres.
After goalie Ethan Tate was kicked in the ribs stopping the ball, the Murphy player flipped over and clutched his leg, no call was made.
Collins said if they play like he knows they can, its “possible,” to pull off the win.
“If we come out playing like we did tonight, passing like I know we can,” said Collins. If we come out doing that we have a chance.”
Drew Chalker takes an elbow to the back after preventing the ball from going out of bounds against Murphy.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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