Highlands School boys varsity soccer team tied East Henderson at home on Monday with a final of 2-2. Both of the Highlanders’ goals were made by Luis Torres Zamudio and new Head Coach Caleb Brown said they had a great first game.
“They really did phenomenal,” said Brown. “They were hungry for it right out of the gate. We ended with a draw, but we commanded possession throughout the game and showed Highlands is a team to be reckoned with.”
Highlands Luis Torres Zamudio scored two goals against East Henderson at home on Monday resulting in a tie game.
It was tied 1-1 at the end of the first half and then Highlands put one in the back of the net in the beginning of the second half. With about 7 minutes left, East Henderson slipped one past Highlands goalie Ethan Tate to tie it up.
Highlands Lane Tingen switches it up with the ball at home against East Henderson.
Brown said Highlands needs to work on 50/50 balls and set pieces.
“These guys train hard and it shows out on the field, they’re giving it everything they got,” said Brown.
Highlands Dillon Schmitt covers his mark on Monday at home.
East Henderson may have put two on the board, but it could have been a whole lot worse if not for the efforts of Tate who repeatedly dove to make saves throughout the game.
“We did outstanding compared to what I thought we were going to do tonight,” said Tate. “I’m really impressed with our performance.”
Highlands goalie Ethan Tate was blocking shots throughout the game at home on Monday holding East Henderson to two points.
Helping keep the pressure off Tate was Highlands Jeffrey Olvera who found himself in the thick of it in the box more often than not, but still said things went well.
“It was a good start to the season since we’ve only been playing about a month,” said Olvera. “To tie a team this good shows potential for the rest of the season.”
From left are Highlands Jeffrey Olvera jumping over a fallen East Henderson player while staying with the ball being taken up the field by Gig Chalker.
Highlands Collin Stoltzfus said there’s work to be done but they hung in there.
“It could have gone better,” said Stoltzfus. “The midfield was getting the ball up the whole game and the defense held the line, but we need to pass more, and pass better.”
Highlands Collin Stoltzfus makes the stop against East Henderson on Monday.
Highlands next plays against Smoky Mountain in Sylva at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28.
Highlands forms a wall to help out Highlands goalie Ethan Tate.
Highlands Lane Tingen centers the ball with a header against East Henderson.
Highlands celebrates a goal by Luis Torres Zamudio in the second half against East Henderson.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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