Time runs out for Champs

MURFREESBORO -- Cascade was able to stand up to the chilly conditions on the road but couldn't quite get over the hump against District 11-A/AA opponent Middle Tennessee Christian in a 2-1 loss on Thursday night.

The Champions (3-3, 2-2) had their chances at tying the game on several occasions in the second half but couldn't find the back of the net past Cougar goalkeeper Leif Kixmiller.

"(MTC has) a lot of ballhandling skill," Cascade coach Patricia Petty said. "They know what they're doing. They've got their partners down pat. They know where the ball's going. We spent a little too much time chasing it.

"We hustled as much as we could to keep up with their skill. We just didn't have enough time to finish it."

Adrian Vazquez netted the lone Champion goal early into the first half. Ryan Deason provided the assist. Anthony McPheron totaled five saves at keeper.

Clayton Mitchell and Jonathan Sims scored goals for the district-leading Cougars (8-0, 3-0).

The ball bounces out of district play next for Cascade as they take on St. Andrew's-Sewanee in Wartrace on Monday at 4:30.

That contest will be a tune-up for a match the following day at Marshall County, which has serious 11-A/AA implications.

"We have to beat Marshall County on Tuesday," Petty said. "We have to improve our ballhandling skills and everybody being able to play defense.

"When we're playing a team that's good, that can maintain possession all over the field, we can't be chasing the ball. We have to know where to be to get the ball between the good passes that they're making."