LONDON — South Laurel needed just 30 seconds of overtime Wednesday night to secure its spot in the 49th District Boys’ Soccer Tournament championship.
Jase Jones scored the game-winner moments into the sudden-death period, lifting the Cardinals to a 1-0 victory over Corbin.
South Laurel improved to 14-4, while the Redhounds finished their season at 7-8-2.
“We played a full regulation against a tough Corbin team,” South Laurel coach Brooks Cawood said. “We talked during our break before the sudden death period about getting to the ball quicker. Blake Robinson took a throw in that found Jase Jones and he was able to get a good volley into the back of the net.”
The two teams battled through a scoreless regulation before Jones ended it almost immediately in overtime.
“I’m super proud of our guys for playing hard and seeing out the match end in our favor,” Cawood said. “Corbin had some great possession and good attacks; hats off to them for a great match and their good season.”
South Laurel’s defense also came up big throughout the night, with goalkeeper Tre Kraftchack making several key saves.
“Our back line and goalkeeper, Tre Kraftchack had some great saves,” Cawood said. “I can’t say enough about our seniors and them leading by example was huge for us. Bryce Jones and Seth Reece were great tonight as well as Drew Allen and Ryan Martinez with a strong presence in the midfield.”
The Cardinals now advance to face North Laurel at 8 p.m. Thursday in the district championship.
The Jaguars won the regular-season meeting between the teams 2-0 on Aug. 25.
“We play a strong opponent for the district championship tomorrow so we will have to get focused and have some better touch with the ball in order to keep advancing,” Cawood said.
