The Branson soccer team fell 2-1 Tuesday night to Repubic in a game heard here on perryphillipssports.com .
It was a hard fought match between what looked to be two evenly matched teams. Dylan Brown put Republic on the board early in the first half with a goal from the middle of penalty area. But, a few minutes later Blake Stoner found himself open just outside the top of the penalty area on a rebound from a corner kick. The sophomore midfielder let it fly from there and found the back of the net with the equalizer. Both teams had their chances the rest of the half but neither could get another goal. We went to the half tied at one.
It did not take Republic long in the second half. Just 1:05 into the period Dylan Brown again delivered with a shot that Nick Dapprich didn’t have much of a shot at. From that point both teams had their chances. Dapprich, I thought, was spectacular in goal, saving what looked to be sure scoring opportunities for the Tigers.
Branson had its chances as well. The best coming near the end of the match. Tyson Shetley battled with a defender for the ball near the penalty area… forced the goalie off his line. Shetley got a piece of the ball and Cody Marcotte, the Republic Goal Keeper, was able to deflect it himself. The momentum carried Marcotte to the ground leaving the goal, temporary unprotected. However, the Tigers were able to clear the ball before the Pirates could take advantage.
The Pirates controlled much of the action much of the night. But the Republic defense was up to the task and kept Branson from getting in to position to take the shots they would like.
Overall, a really good soccer match in front of a supportive crowd. If you have not had a chance to see this Pirate team play, get out and support these guys. It is entertaining and they deserve your support.
Branson will return to the pitch against West Plains on Thursday at Pirate Stadium