Putnam County needed overtime to defeat Vidalia and advance to the second round of the state soccer playoffs.
In the first overtime period, midfielder Angel Sanchez scored for the War Eagles, who then prevented the Indians from responding to clinch a 4-3 win to move on.
The victory thrilled Putnam’s players, who felt like underdogs going into the match.
“I think we actually performed very well,” Putnam head coach Michael Taylor said. “It was one of the best games that I’ve seen them play this season. We were focused. The guys were coming in feeling like they were the underdog, and they were ready to go out and prove everybody wrong.”
The match was back-and-forth during regulation.
The War Eagles took a 1-0 lead 15 minutes into the game when midfielder Jared Arreola scored. However, Vidalia quickly responded with two consecutive goals just a few minutes later.
Putnam didn’t back down, however. Forward Reynaldo Espinoza scored for the War Eagles, tying the game.
“I was worried about giving up two quick goals and how we would respond, but then we got another goal toward the end of the half. That made it 2-2 at the half,” Taylor said. “That made me feel really good about us. I loved the way we were playing, the way we passed, and the way we talked.”
A few minutes into the second half, Jorge Lopez put Putnam back in the driver’s seat. His goal gave life to the War Eagle bench, and goalkeeper Jared Mejia made several saves to help preserve the lead.
Regardless, Vidalia answered midway through the second half with another goal to tie things up, but could not find that same magic in overtime. Putnam proved to be well-conditioned during the two extra periods.
“It looked like either team could win all the way up until we got to the [end of regulation], and I felt like we played much better in overtime,” Taylor said. “It was very back-and-forth, but we got it done.”
The No. 17 seed War Eagles next face No. 1 Model in the second round. The Blue Devils defeated No. 32 Woodville-Tompkins 7-1 to advance.
According to Scorbord.com, both Putnam and Model finished the regular season ranked in the top 10 of Class A Division I. However, because the War Eagles placed third in Region 4 standings, they dropped in seeding for the state playoffs.
Top-seeded Model might be the favorite, but Taylor feels like his team has a good chance at success.
“I see it as them aiming to be the top team, and we’re entering a David versus Goliath situation,” Taylor said. “They’ve got a target on their back, and I think that’s good for us. We have to play focused from the first minute to the end of the game.
“I think our guys, the way they played that first playoff game, they’re fully capable of it. So, I’m expecting another really competitive match. I know they’re number one, but we’re going to go out there and give it our best.”