Despite a game effort, Bradwell Tigers fell to soccer powerhouse Long County 5-1 Friday in Ludowici.
With the win, Long County remained undefeated at 3-0. The Tigers are 2-3.
In girls action, Long County lost to Bradwell Institute 3-0 Friday in the non-region contest. The Lady Tide played hard for the hometown fans. The Lady Tide fell to 2-1 overall. The Lady Tigers improved to 3-1-1.
Tuesday, the Long County teams hosted Pierce County (1-2). And Bradwell’s were to host Jenkins High School (1-3). Results from those games were not available in time for this story.
Thursday, Bradwell plays Bryan County (both 1-2) in Pembroke starting at 5 p.m., girls at 7. Friday, Long County is at home again, against Tattnall Square Academy (both 0-1) at 5 and 7 p.m.
Earlier story: Lady Tide girls 2-0
Last year was one to remember for the Long County High School girls soccer team. The Lady Tide posted a 13-4 overall record and advanced into the Sweet-16 round of the state playoffs, falling to powerhouse Greater Atlanta Christian School.
This year the ladies are back and hoping for an even better season. If early results are an indication, they may just accomplish that goal.
On Feb. 7, the Lady Tide beat Claxton (0-1-1) in Evans County 3-0. Scoring for Long County were Cindy Martinez, Porshia Cummings and Alexis Marrero. Coach Sabrina Caines said her young team played hard and looked good.
"The Lady Blue Tide are recovering from losing five starters, and are in the process of building up a young team. Our match against Claxton was the first high school game for a majority of our girls, but they overcame nerves to bring home this win. We have lots of work to do, but I couldn’t be more proud of the progress we’re seeing daily," Caines said.
She also recognized one individual effort.
"Freshman Katerin Rapalo, really stood out in her center defensive position," Caines said. "Rapalo brings quick reflexes and powerful, clearing kicks to the lineup."
Tuesday, Long County made all watching proud during their first home game, beating Appling County (0-3) 7-0 in an Region 2-AAA match.
Cummings led all scorers with two goals. Kylee Proffitt, Adelle Cook, Keilynne Sanford, Jennifer Mejia, and Marrero each had one goal.
Caines said that her team played even better against Appling, and once again praised Rapalo.
"Our play against Appling was an improvement over our game against Claxton," the coach said. "We’re slowly learning to work together as a team. Rapalo once again impressed us with her defensive skills."
With the wins, the Lady Tide is at 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the region.
Friday, Long County faced Bradwell Institute (2-1-1). More on that game in this Wednesday’s paper. Tuesday, the Lady Tide are back at home, playing Pierce County (1-1). That match begins at 5 p.m.
Earlier story: Blue Tide also unbeaten
The Long County High School boys’ soccer team compiled their best record in school history last year, going 14-2.
Despite posting the best record in the 2-AA Region, the team fell in the first round of the state playoffs, losing to Dublin High School 1-0. This year, the team has a roster full of experienced players and hopes are high for another outstanding season, but this time in Region 2-AAA Region.
The team has started on fire, beating both of their opponents by a combined score of 9-1. On Feb. 7, the Blue Tide beat a tough Claxton High School 2-0 in Evans County. And Tuesday, Long County didn’t disappoint the hometown fans, beat Appling County 7-1 in an early region contest.
In that game, Ismael Franco led the team in scoring with three goals. Alex Duenes, Paul Cruz, Armando Orzco and Jacinto Cruz all had one goal.
Head coach Paul Austin said he was pleased with his team’s overall play, but was especially happy with their defensive effort.
"I think we had a good showing, we passed the ball well and worked out some things we needed to work on, we are not where we want to be, but we are getting better," Austin said.
With the wins, Long County stands at 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the region. Claxton fell to 1-1 and Appling County dropped to 1-1-1.