DAWSONVILLE — Two border rivals, a top 10 showdown, with a shot at a home playoff berth on the line...
It was only fitting that the Dawson County and Lumpkin County girls soccer teams needed a penalty shootout to separate themselves on Tuesday in Dawsonville.
The sixth-ranked Lady Tigers responded to an early deficit to knot the contest at 1-1, and the two foes battled to a stalemate through the second half and overtime before Dawson claimed the shootout 5-3.
The victory put the Lady Tigers (8-3, 3-1 Region 7-AAA) in position to finish as the No. 2 seed in 7-AAA and earn a home berth in the first round of the state playoffs.
The fifth-ranked Lady Indians (10-3, 4-2) wrapped their region slate with their only league losses coming to rival Dawson and No. 3 Greater Atlanta Christian.
Lumpkin stormed out of the gates Tuesday, as Hope Kenney scored less than eight minutes into the contest for a 1-0 lead. Yet Dawson County fought back in the first half, as Rachel Rajczak leveled the scoreline, converting a penalty kick after being fouled with 10:40 remaining before the interval.
Dawson County goalkeeper Fallon Lacey and Lumpkin's Charlotte Cunningham then combined to keep it at 1-1, with Lacey recording 13 saves and Cunningham 4 as the game went into overtime and then penalties.
Once into the shootout, Dawson's Rajczak, Ruthie Pittman, Sam Floyd, Molly Muenchen and Maggie Wright each converted spot kicks to make the difference. Lumpkin's Holly Foster, Ashley Read and Hope Foster each converted for the Lady Indians.
Dawson County will look to nail down the No. 2 seed on April 13 when it takes on Fannin County.
Lumpkin will look to bounce back against Buford on April 10.
DAWSON COUNTY BOYS 2,
LUMPKIN COUNTY 1
The Tigers scored two second half goals to come from behind and win on Tuesday in Dawsonville.
Nathan Blythe scored both goals for Dawson County. Gabe Funderburk provided an assist for the Tigers (4-6, 2-2 Region 7-3A).
Chris Keys scored for the Indians (7-6, 3-3), reacting first to a bouncing ball to slot home.
