LONDON — Defending 13th Region champion Oneida Baptist faced one of its toughest tests of the season but managed to hold off Corbin, 4-3, in an instant classic Thursday night to advance to Friday’s 49th District boys’ soccer championship.
The Mountaineers improved to 15-3 overall, while Corbin closed out its season at 8-7-1.
OBI struck first as Nahom Yuna found the back of the net at the 32:37 mark to give the Mountaineers a 1-0 lead. Corbin answered quickly, with JP Carmichael tying the score before later netting his second goal at the 15:59 mark to put the Redhounds ahead, 2-1.
OBI responded before halftime when Mikiyas Dawit buried a shot at 11:58, knotting the match at 2-2 going into the break.
Corbin regained control early in the second half as Sebastian Witherington scored at 17:37, giving the Redhounds a 3-2 advantage.
But the Mountaineers weren’t finished. Henrique Gabardo delivered the equalizer at 14:22, and less than a minute later, Hero Kjohnsupawatchara netted what proved to be the game-winner at 13:12, putting OBI up 4-3.
Despite late pressure from Corbin, the Mountaineers’ defense held strong to secure the win and keep their title defense alive.
Oneida Baptist will now face North Laurel in Friday’s 49th District championship, setting up a marquee showdown between two of the region’s top programs.
