Irish soccer sees first-time state success
Knoxville Catholic High School’s boys soccer team achieved a first on the pitch Saturday afternoon, May 9.
The Irish won a state playoff game for the first time since they have been competing in Division II-AA, accomplishing that feat with a 2-0 victory over Father Ryan at Blaine Stadium.
“This is the first time that Catholic has won a playoff game for both the boys and the girls since we’ve been in Division II,” Irish coach Josh Martin said. “Now, if we win our next game, we’ll make it to the state Final Four in Murfreesboro.”
The Irish (8-6-4) next will play Saturday when it travels to Nashville to take on Montgomery Bell Academy. A win at MBA would punch Catholic’s ticket to the state semifinals.
“It was big for us breaking through that barrier,” Martin said. “But our next game will be tough because every team you play will be good and the game will be hard.”
Against Father Ryan, Catholic led 1-0 at halftime. The Irish got both of their goals from Jack Tucker and the second marker was assisted by Levi Perkinson.
Catholic goalkeeper Tate McCarty made 10 saves en route to recording a clean sheet.
In Division II-A: Christian Academy of Knoxville lost its region championship game to Boyd Buchanan, 6-1 on Thursday, May 7.
Colby Stokely scored for the Warriors off an assist from Wyatt Howard.
CAK played Northpoint Christian on Tuesday, May 5, in the opening round of the state tournament on Tuesday. Results were not available at press time.
