OAKWOOD, Ga. — Top-ranked Johnson continued to flex its defensive muscles, taking a 4-1 win over East Forsyth on Friday in Region 8-4A action at The Dungeon.
It was the seventh time this season that the Knights (7-1-1, 6-0 Region 8-4A) have held their opponents to one goal or less. It was also Johnson's 59th consecutive region win in 2015.
However, for most of the 80 minutes, it looked like that streak was in jeopardy. East Forsyth scored in the game's opening minute for a 1-0 lead and took that into the half. The Broncos continued to hang on to that slim advantage until there were just 20 minutes left in the match.
Then the Johnson offense came alive. Edgar Vazquez tied it up, and Andres Galicia struck moments later as they took a 2-1 lead. Jordy Acosta finished the scoring barrage with a pair of goals in the final 8 minutes.
Jalil Chávez had one assist for the Knights.
The win kept the Knights two games ahead of Cedar Shoals atop the region standings. The loss for East Forsyth (6-4, 4-3 Region 8-4A) dropped them into a tie for fifth place with Chestatee.
GAINESVILLE 3,
JACKSON COUNTY 0
The Red Elephants swept the season series with the Panthers with a win on the road in Region 8-6A.
Gabriel Ixcoy, Jhostin Salinas and Kevin Manzo each scored once for Gainesville (4-7, 4-4 Region 8-6A). Austin Duran provided a pair of assists, and Miguel Galavizhad provided one for the Red Elephants, who remain fourth in the region standings.
Marquise Rangel and Luis Velez combined to get the shutout in goal. Christian Perez and Henrin Bonilla controlled the midfield for Gainesville. Special mention goes to Antonio Turcios, who didn’t let anyone go by his left side.
Jackson County (4-8, 1-7 Region 8-6A) will next play host to No. 8-ranked North Forsyth, while Gainesville will play host to Shiloh on Tuesday.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 3,
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN 2
Frisco Johnson and Bryan Ramsey each had a goal and an assist, and Jack Bornhorst had one goal to lead the Lions to a win at home on Friday.
William Harrison recorded the win in goal with eight saves.
Lakeview improved to 3-4-1 overall and 1-0 in region play with the victory.