By Jordan Burton
For the third time in five seasons, Carthage is in the state quarterfinals, this time thanks to a 2-1 win over host Carl Junction in Class 3 sectionals on Tuesday. But the Tigers – who beat Carl Junction 4-0 during the regular season – struggled to find their offense early,
Carl Junction held Carthage scoreless for the entire first half. The Tigers came in with 11 games with at least four goals.
“We talked about a few things at halftime; I thought we played too slow in the first half,” said Osborne. “Because we were playing so slow we gave their defense time to set up and they were ready for us.
“In the second half we had more activity off the ball and were able to play some combinations. We got the goal quickly and what changed was our speed of play and our movement off the ball.”
Carthage was able to score just two minutes into the second half when Elder Reyes was able to get behind the Bulldogs defense. That goal allowed the Tigers to loosen up CJ’s defense and play at their usual tempo.
Entering Tuesday, Osborne knew that his team could struggle to find offense early. His team was able to maintain its composure despite the drought.
“Having our experience helps. At halftime, our kids really weren’t too nervous about things and it helps that we’ve been in this position before,” said Osborne. “We were able to score quickly the first time we played them which took the pressure off of us and opened up things because they were forced to push up and it gave us space. I knew coming in that getting that first goal would be the toughest part about tonight and it was.”
Those offensive struggles allowed Carl Junction to hang around.
The Bulldogs nearly found the equalizer in the 65th minute, getting two excellent looks inside the box, one of which ricocheted off the top post.
Freshman midfielder David Homero Garcia answered by scoring on Carthage’s ensuing possession.
Carl Junction got on the board with just under a minute remaining when senior Colby Sullivan scored the first goal of his career.
“We knew we weren’t going to have a lot of opportunities to score but that we needed to take advantage of those that we had,” said Carl Junction coach Ed Miller. “We weren’t able to do that until late, but our kids played their butts off and competed well. We just needed a little more time.”
It is the second straight year that Carl Junction’s season was ended by Carthage, but after winning their first district championship in more than a decade, this season is something that Miller and the Bulldogs can build on moving forward.
“I think two things happened tonight,” said Miller. “First, our juniors, sophomores and freshmen were able to be a part of this and see what it takes to get to this level and this game. I think it gives us confidence moving forward. We’re a district champion and next year we’re going to get everyone’s best shot because of that so we’ll have to continue to improve.”
For Carthage, the quest for yet another final four trip will continue Saturday when the Tigers host Rolla. The Bulldogs beat Glendale 1-0 on Tuesday.
The last time these two programs met was in 2012 when Carthage defeated Rolla 2-0 to clinch a Final Four berth. The Tigers finished that season as the Class 2 runner-up and were state runner-up again in 2013.
“We know it’ll be a tough game on Saturday but we’re excited to be hosting,” said Osborne. “We’re looking forward to it. Two of our four losses came to Glendale and both were one-goal games that were very competitive.”
