Bearden retains spot for national tournament

Shelbyville's Taylor Bearden poses with Strikers coach Alan Oates with the Region III championship trophy. (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

The Murfreesboro Soccer Club Strikers U-16 defeated 92 Triangle FC White (North Carolina) 2-0 in overtime to win the Region III U.S. Youth Soccer Presidents Cup in Greenville, S.C.

Shelbyville native Taylor Bearden guest played for the Strikers and earned a spot to stay with the team when they compete in the national tournament in Raleigh, N.C., from July 17-19. McKenzie Gibson and assistant coach Pat Gibson are also on the roster and carry ties to Bedford County.

In the early stages of region play, MSC tied Spindletop Select 93 Red (South Texas) 1-1, lost 2-1 to 92 Triangle FC White (North Carolina) and took down Coast 92 Red (South Carolina) 2-1.

The Strikers drew a wild card to advance to the semifinals where they came out on top of ESC 93 Black (Oklahoma) 3-2.