The Long County boys soccer team’s season ended Thursday in the first round of the Georgia High School Association playoffs.
Playing in Ludowici, the Blue Tide fell to Dublin 1-0.

In what could only be called a defensive battle between two disciplined teams, the Fighting Irish were able to punch in the only score early in the game after Long County was called for a penalty in the box.
The hero for Dublin was Bryce Watson who scored the goal.

Long County coach Mike Austin said his players controlled the tempo of the game, but just couldn’t get a ball in the net.
“I believe the difference in the game was our shot placement,” Austin said. “I think we had around 36 shots on goal, but they just wouldn’t go in.”
He also said that even though his team came up short on the scoreboard, he felt that his boys played well.
“This was actually one of our best games of the year, we did an exceptional job at controlling our passes,” the coach said. “Unfortunately, our shots just wouldn’t go in.”

With the win, Dublin improved its record to 10-4-1 and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs.
Long County finished the season at 14-2, which is the best record for any soccer team in school history. Austin also said he was proud of all of the players.

“I’m extremely proud of these guys. This might be the closest team of unselfish players that I have ever coached,” Austin said.