LONDON — North Laurel found the decisive goal in the final minute Thursday, edging South Laurel 2-1 to capture the 49th District Boys’ Soccer Tournament championship.
The two teams played through a scoreless first half before the Jaguars began to find more control after halftime.
“I felt we had some nerves to begin the game, but were able to settle in after a few minutes,” North Laurel coach David Broyles said. “Both teams went back and forth, but neither were able to put it in the back of the net so it stayed 0-0 at the half.”
North Laurel broke through in the second half when Tucker Ebersole found Reilly Stuber, who finished the chance to put the Jaguars in front 1-0.
“We made some adjustments at the half and were able to assert more possession and control in the second,” Broyles said. “We were finally able to break through when Tucker Ebersole assisted Reilly Stuber to put us on the board.”
South Laurel answered to tie the match, but North Laurel had the final answer.
“We held the lead for several minutes, but we let one slip through to tie the game,” Broyles said. “Credit to our kids they kept fighting and found the game winner with less than a minute to play.”
Malik Turner assisted Stuber on the winning goal, giving Stuber both of North Laurel’s scores and securing the district championship.
“Malik Turner assisted Reilly for his second goal,” Broyles said. “Tonight was a hard fought game between two very good teams. Now we have to prepare for region next week and a probable rematch with South.”
