Oakland soccer headed back to TSSAA state after storm-shortened 3-0 win over Ooltewah
Oakland's boys soccer team advanced to the Class AAA state tournament for the third consecutive season, thanks to a 3-0 win over Ooltewah in Saturday's sectional.
The game was called with about 30 minutes left in the match after pouring rain and a lightning delay interrupted the match after the Patriots (17-2-2) scored their third goal of the contest.
"This is a step toward our ultimate goal of making a run at the state," Oakland coach Jeff Porter said.
La Vergne and Central Magnet were able to complete their games after delays, but both lost to end their seasons
According to National Federation of High Schools rules, "In the event a game must be suspended because of conditions which make it impossible to continue to play, the head referee shall declare it an official game if one complete half or more of the game has been played."
Oakland reached the AAA semifinals a year ago, falling to eventual champion Houston in a match that was decided by overtime penalty kicks.
The Patriots dominated Saturday's match, scoring in the first 14 minutes on a Dominic Carretta goal, then tacking on another in the 32nd minute on an Avory Rogers goal.
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"We talked at length about starting fast," Porter said. "We told them right away that the potential for this storm coming in was pretty good. We knew that going into the situation, that going up by a goal (or more) would put us in a better position."
Sophomore Ben Stinson scored Oakland's third goal early in the second half, just seconds before rain poured down and lightning forced the delay that ultimately ended the contest.
• La Vergne led 1-0 with 16 minutes left and a delay, but Shelbyville came back to win 2-1 in the AAA sectional.
• Central Magnet trailed 1-0 at halftime and a long delay and eventually fell 2-1 to Valor Prep.
The AAA state soccer tournament will begin Tuesday and will be held at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Oakland soccer back in TSSAA state tournament after sectional victory
