WATKINSVILLE -- Having already set the school record in wins and surpassed last year's playoff run, the Flowery Branch girls soccer team was looking to add to the program's best season ever Wednesday night in the second round of the Class AAA playoffs.
Fourth-ranked Oconee County had other plans, however. The Lady Warriors scored two goals in the first 10 minutes and then used their defense to take a 4-0 win at Oconee Stadium to advance to the Elite Eight.
First-year Flowery Branch coach Katie Wood said the loss did not take away from an outstanding season.
"This team came a long way and overcame a lot and I'm real proud of them," Wood said. "They developed as a team as the year went on and we were playing our best soccer at the end of the season."
The Lady Falcons, who finished at 13-6, had chances firing 10 shots on goal but none could find the back of the net. Freshman Torey McDowell and junior Angelica Escarate played well in goal despite allowing four goals.
Oconee took a 3-0 lead one minute into the second half and added the final score midway through the second half.
"Oconee is very good and I thought both girls did well," Wood said. "The score doesn't show how well we played and how good we are. We had some chances but just couldn't finish.
"But we're very excited about next year and we can't wait to get started. I thought these girls really overachieved and did some great things."
Saturday
November 16th, 2024
12:26PM
