CORBIN — North Laurel wasted little time taking control Tuesday night, scoring twice in the opening five minutes and making those goals stand in a 2-0 win over Middlesboro in the 13th Region Girls’ Soccer Tournament semifinals.
The Lady Jaguars struck first when Eden Begley scored off an assist from Annabelle Welch. Moments later, Presley Thompson added another goal with McKinley Mastin providing the assist.
“We finally got off to a fast start by scoring two goals in the first five minutes,” North Laurel coach Jason Welch said. “Eden Begley scored on an assist from Annabelle Welch and Presley Thompson scored on an assist from McKinley Mastin.”
North Laurel continued creating opportunities throughout the first half but couldn’t add to its lead.
“We had several more opportunities in the first half but couldn’t find the back of the net,” Welch said. “Middlesboro played us tight and held us to just the two first half goals.”
The Lady Jaguars’ defense took over from there, limiting Middlesboro’s chances and preserving the shutout.
“Jaedyn Gilbert was able to post another shut out for the season with some help from our back line,” Welch said. “Our defense was able to shut down most of their attacks and only allowed a handful of shots on target.”
