FLOWERY BRANCH — For all the talk of the offensive firepower of Johnson, it's the Knights' defensive play that may be the most impressive thing of their strong start to the 2022 season.
Center midfielders Angel Sagrero and Christian Robles helped Johnson keeper Kristian Hernandez hold down a good Flowery Branch offense in a 4-1 victory Wednesday in a battle of top-ranked teams at Falcons Field.
It was the third consecutive road win for the Class 5A No. 2 Knights (4-0). It was the first loss of the season for Class 4A second-ranked Flowery Branch (2-1-1).
The one lone goal for Flowery Branch is the first goal allowed by the Johnson defense this season. In fact, the Falcons scored first on a goal by Cole Biasi midway through the first half. It was the first time Johnson had trailed at any point in the season. But the Knights answered late in the first half on a goal by Ramon Aguilar to tie the match at 1 by halftime.
The match stayed tied until the final 15 minutes when Jorge Sandoval exploded. The senior recorded a hat trick -- the Knights second in four games-- over the final 15 minutes. The first came on a free kick after the Branch keeper inadvertently handled the ball just outside of the box to ignite Johnson's come-from-behind win.
The Knights next will play host to Cherokee Bluff on Friday. Branch heads to Dahlonega on Friday to take on Class 7A 10th-ranked North Gwinnett as part of the North Georgia Showcase at the University of North Georgia. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 2 p.m.
