Men's Soccer | 2/5/2025 9:41:00 AM
The Clinton High School Men's Soccer team wanted redemption after the Hernando Tigers bounced them from the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A Playoffs last season.
On Tuesday night, in front of a raucous crowd, the Arrows returned the favor and bounced the Tigers, who were the defending MHSAA Class 7A State Champions, in a 2-0 decision during the opening round of the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs at Arrow Field. The postseason victory advanced Clinton to the second round of the playoffs where it will host the Tupelo Golden Wave on Saturday at Arrow Field. The playoff game kicks off at 4 p.m.
"Proud of the overall effort from the players tonight," Clinton Head Men's Soccer Coach Tyler Wade said. "We knew going in it would be a difficult match, but the players were up for the challenge and competed. Proud of the guys for staying engaged early when we didn't have the momentum. I thought we made some quality adjustments at halftime and really executed in the 2nd half."
"Playoff games will never be easy, we have to continue to raise our level and play the way we know how to play," Wade added.
Following a scoreless first half that had many scoring opportunities for both teams, the Arrows found its best opportunity of the night 13 minutes into the second half.
Justin Singleton's elite quickness caused panic for the Tigers' defensive line and forced a tackle from behind, drawing a whistle inside the visitors' 18-yard box.
Wes Ambrose elected to take the kick from the penalty spot and clinically crushed his opportunity into the corner, sending the Arrows and their faithful into celebration mode.
Clinton's senior goalkeeper
Jesus Estrada provided support between the goal posts as the second half continued. Estrada created an unbelievable highlight when Hernando blasted a shot which he saved and then reached behind himself to swat the ball off the goal line with nearly seven minutes remaining. The senior would be called upon again with under two minutes remaining. The Tigers placed a well-struck shot on frame, and Estrada acrobatically punched the shot over the crossbar.
Estrada sparked Clinton's final goal when he bravely punched out another Tiger free kick to Ambrose with under 30 seconds remaining. Ambrose's second clearance found
Timothy Graham who carried the ball long enough to slip
Murphy Schoggen behind Hernando's high defensive line. Schoggen confidently curved his shot past a rushing goal keeper from the left side of the 18-yard box and sent Arrow Field into hysteria with the game-sealing score.
