D-B Wins 500th Match On Way to Metcalf Title
by STEVE WILMOTH
TriCitiesSports.com
March 23, 2019
KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- Dobyns-Bennett soccer has always been about winning and honoring its past.
The Tribe side did both on Saturday to capture the title at the 12th Annual Metcalf Highland Cup.
The Indians started started the day with a 9-1 result over Sullivan Central Saturday morning, before taking the title with 2-ni decision Jefferson County later that afternoon.
The win over the Cougars was the 500th in program history.
“I think it’s important for our program to understand that a big focus for our team this year is the history of our program,” said D-B alum and coach Tom LaGuardia.
LaGuardia and his staff have spent countless hours documenting some lost years in the history of the program by pouring over microfilm at the Kingsport Public Library.
He’s also stressed the importance of the Metcalf Tournament played the last dozen years in honor of former Indian soccer play Jon Metcalf who did tragically in 2007. Metcalf’s father, Gary, was on hand to present the tournament championship plaque to the Tribe.
“A few things happened this weekend,” continued LaGaurdia. “One was we wanted to honor a fallen teammate, bring his father in and make sure our players understand why they play in the Metcalf tournament. We did a lot of research in the offseason and this morning was the 500th win in school history. This was 501 tonight and they’ve started on the next 500 now.”
The Tribe started quickly against the Patriots when Spencer Correll punched in a assist from Will Arrowood in the second minute.
The Indian offense produced multiple solid looks thereafter and peppered Jefferson County keeper Anthony Bernardi throughout the match. But the all-tournament performer was brilliant in net, denying the Tribe with 13 saves
“Their goalkeeper was outstanding,” LaGuardia said. “I think there were moments where we probably helped him out a little bit, took a few too many touches. He did a great job closing the angle when we took those touches and he kept them in the game.”
Still, Dobyns-Bennett worked off 15 corners to produced 25 shots with 14 of the look being on goal.
“We just have to finish better,” added LaGuardia. “We’re playing the game right, but we have to finish better.”
The Indians did break through in the 58th minute when Correll lost a defender on the left flank with a cross over and perfected centered back to Carter Swinney who finally beat Bernardi inside the left post.
Jack Perry, Correll and Arrowood were all named to the all-tournament team. Arrowood was chosen as Most Valuable Player.
Arrowood was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Correll and Jack Perry also made the all-tournament team from D-B.
“It feels great to be able to win this tournament in Jon’s honor,” said Arrowood. “I really owe it all to my teammates. They really sealed the goals for me this weekend.”
Arrowood has helped the 5-0 Indians to a 32-3 goal differential thus far this season.
“Credit goes to the players,” LaGuardia said. “They’ve worked extremely hard to prepare for this year in the offseason, the preseason and now into the regular season. They’ve earned what they’ve gotten. I’m proud of them and it’s exactly what we’ve been talking about for a couple of months.”
All-Tournament Team
MVP - Will Arrowood, Dobyns-Bennett
Spencer Correll, Dobyns-Bennett
Jack Perry, Dobyns-Bennett
Diego Diaz, Jefferson County
Anthony Bernardi, Jefferson County
Bracken Berns, University High
Walker Page, University High
Caden Booher, Carter
Elliot Hooks, Carter
Izzy Hamelryck, Sullivan Central
John Plasted, David Crockett
2019 Jon Metcalf Highland Cup
Eastman Park Soccer Fields
March 22-23, 2019
Friday, March 22
Jefferson County 5, David Crockett 0
Dobyns-Bennett 8, Carter 0
University High 6, Sullivan Central 0
Saturday, March 23
Dobyns-Bennett 9, Sullivan Central 1
Jefferson County 2, University High 1
Carter 5, David Crockett 2
5th-Place - Sullivan Central 2, David Crockett 1
3rd-Place - University High 4, Carter 3
Championship - Dobyns-Bennett 2, Jefferson County 0