LONDON — Defending 13th Region champion Oneida Baptist survived a strong challenge from Whitley County on Monday night, rallying for a 3-2 victory in the opening round of the 49th District Boys’ Soccer Tournament.
The Mountaineers improved to 7-13 and advanced to Wednesday’s semifinal against No. 1 seed North Laurel, while Whitley County saw its season end at 8-9.
Mathew Nyuma supplied all three goals for Oneida Baptist, completing a hat trick with two late scores after Whitley County had taken a second-half lead. Robel Shiferaw assisted on all three goals.
“Give much credit to Whitley County for the way they played,” Oneida Baptist coach Hunter House said. “They outplayed us for most of the match and capitalized on their chances. We were really under pressure for most of the match.”
Nyuma gave Oneida Baptist a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute, but Whitley County answered in the 44th when Kaden Davis scored to tie the match at 1-1.
The Colonels then moved in front in the 60th minute when Tucker Hale found the back of the net, giving Whitley County a 2-1 advantage.
Oneida Baptist responded late.
Nyuma scored again in the 70th minute to pull the Mountaineers even at 2-2, then completed the hat trick in the 78th minute to give Oneida Baptist a 3-2 lead it would not relinquish.
“In the end, we didn’t give up and finished the win behind some incredible finishes from Mathew, and great assists from Robel,” House said.
The victory sets up a rematch with North Laurel at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Jaguars won the only regular-season meeting between the teams, 5-1, on Sept. 22.
“Have to be much better versus North Laurel on Wednesday,” House said. “Survive and advance.”
