MURFRESBORO, Tenn.-- Chattanooga School for the Arts and Science lost to the reigning state champions, Gatlinburg-Pittman, 3-2 in the Division I Class A state Semi-Final on Wednesday.
The Patriots were unable to respond to the Highlander’s three goal spree to open the second half.
“We made as many adjustments as we could make. We ran three different formations here to try to figure out what the final solution was.” Said CSAS Head Coach David Poss. “It (the tactical changes) worked, but we just ran out of time.”
The Patriots went into halftime with a 1-0 lead off a goal from senior, Cole Avery. Avery was in the right place at the right time to put in the rebound to open the scoring.
The Highlanders returned from the break with new life as they scored three goals in three minutes. Junior, Josue Chicas-Aranda, assisted the first goal to fellow junior, Ricardo Turcois, who had to tap in the cross at the left post.
Chicas-Aranda would be involved again when he stole a pass and let off a rocket from 20 yards out to give the Highlander’s the lead. Turcois played provider on the third goal when his cross found senior, Luis Ortiz, who scored from six yards out.
CSAS pulled one back with nine minutes remaining when Avery played a through ball to senior, Will Fraser, who scored from outside the box. Gatlinburg-Pittman managed the clock well down the stretch and did not allow the Patriots to score the equalizer.
“You win games, you lose games, but the biggest thing is the friendships that were made.” saidCSAS Assistant Coach Wes Castle after an emotional team huddle.
Gatlinburg-Pittman will take on Grace Christian Academy in the Division I Class A state Final on Friday at 1:30 P.M.