By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Start strong, finish strong and hold on in between.
That was the style for the Republic High School boys’ soccer team on Tuesday night. The Tigers used a pair of first-half goals, a late insurance goal and some timely goalkeeping to defeat an improved Branson team, 3-1.
“I don’t think we played our best tonight by any means, but I told the team that I thought we did the little things it took to win the game,” said Republic coach Kevin Hauk. “We came out strong and were able to get a 2-0 lead, which really benefited us down the stretch.”
Senior Dylan Brown was involved in all three Republic goals. He had a highlight reel-worthy goal four minutes into the match and sealed the win in the 77th minute on a free kick.
In between, he set up teammate Spenser Waller for a goal that gave Republic a 2-1 halftime lead.
Brown’s first goal came after Republic quickly countered a Branson corner kick. The Tigers cleared the ball up to Brown near mid-field, where he beat two separate defenders to set himself up for a 1-v-1 opportunity with the Branson goalkeeper.
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“We know what Dylan can do,” said Branson coach Dave Brenner. “We’ve watched him for years now. He’s strong on the restart, strong on the ball. We had a plan and didn’t quite come out and execute it at first.”
Republic goalkeeper Dalton Ghan had a major hand in the outcome.
With Republic leading 2-1 in the 64th minute, Ghan turned away a Branson penalty kick. Ghan was whistled for a foul just moments earlier after colliding with a Branson attacker outside of the box.
In the 74th, Ghan made a leaping save on a well-hit rebound shot.
“He’s having a really good year,” Hauk said of Ghan. “He played well tonight and his saves allowed us to win this game.”
Republic went ahead 2-0 in the 20th minute, again off a counter. Branson misplayed a free kick opportunity and Republic quickly took advantage, getting the ball up field to Brown, who set up Waller for the score.
“Any time we can transition, I feel like we’re a pretty good transition team and can get up and down the field pretty well,” Hauk said. “We definitely look for it.”
But for the next 60 or so minutes, the game swung in Branson’s favor. The Pirates cut Republic’s lead to 2-1 late in the first half.
An opportunistic Russell Wachob swooped in for the finish after the ball deflected off a Republic defender.
Overall, Branson had the edge in possession and total shots, but that didn’t translate to quality scoring opportunities.
“We have to create better chances,” Brenner said. “We got the shots, but we didn’t get the best of shots. That’s something we’re learning.”
Republic sealed the win in the 77th minute. On a free kick, Brown curved a bouncing ball around the Branson wall and inside the near post.
“I thought (Branson) had more opportunities than we did throughout the game,” Hauk said. “They looked good. They possessed (the ball) well.”
Republic (4-2, 1-1 COC-Large) competes in the Parkview Tournament this Friday and Saturday. Branson (4-3, 0-2 COC-Large) travels to West Plains on Thursday.
Earlier this season, Branson notched its 100th win in program history. Brenner has been their only head coach.
“We’re playing really well this year,” Brenner said. “We’ve learned ball control, we’ve learned to play as a team. We work as a team. We’re young, only six seniors. The results will come.”
Republic 3, Branson 1
Branson 1 0 — 1
Republic 2 1 — 3
