Tigers rebound to defeat Murray Co. on penalty kicks

The Adairsville boys soccer team bounced back from a Tuesday night loss to Calhoun to defeat Murray County Thursday night in a Region 6-AAA match.

The visiting Indians grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first half, but the Tigers battled back with 13 minutes remaining to score the tying goal.

Chris Rodriguez scored the tying goal with an assist from Danny Carillo.

The score remained tied through the remainder of regulation time and two five minute overtime periods, sending the region battle to a penalty kicks tiebreaker.

Adairsville connected on all five penalty kicks. Joseph Pacheco, Carillo, Rodriguez, Jesus Garcia, and Salvador Grimaldo Jr. each found the net for the Tigers.

B.J. Harman finished with 17 saves for Adairsville at goalkeeper and the Tigers' defense was credited with a key effort in denying the Indians' offense most of the night.

"Our defense played a great game," said Adairsville coach Kelly Abernathy. "Most of their (Murray County) shots were from long range. The guys kept them from penetrating the box most of the night."

The victory improved the Tigers' season record to 7-3 overall and 2-2 in region play.

"Give the offense credit also," noted Abernathy. "They moved the ball really well and controlled the ball for most of the game."

Adairsville entertains region rival Sonoraville next Thursday (March 24).