Jam packed week of soccer for Lady Cougars, Union makes comeback

By Amber Cowell

TOP PHOTO: Kylie Ivey takes a free kick in front of a wall of Patriots.  Ivey scored one of the two goals in Tuesday’s match. 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Lady Cougars hosted the Patriots of Union County Tuesday night to kick off a jam packed week. See the full photo gallery HERE.

The offense went on attack from the whistle.  Senior Meredith Bell was tripped in the 18 yard box early in the first half which resulted in a successful penalty kick taken by Kylie Ivey giving the Lady Cougars the lead 1-0.  A second penalty kick was awarded to the Lady Cougars, but was stopped by the Patriots’ keeper in a diving save. The Patriots were able to score three times during the first half and the Lady Cougars trailed at the half 1-3.

“Our attack forced two penalty kicks, and I loved the pressure that we put on them all game…and what a beautiful goal!” head coach Erik Hill said after the game.

Although it rained most of the match, the squad played much more cohesively with stronger and more accurate passes. Keeper, Alie Jessee is a force to be reckoned with.  She had multiple saves, and she isn’t afraid to go after a ball.  

The second half continued with impressive clears by the defense and strong crosses by the forwards.  In the 46th minute Jessa Riggs passed the ball forward to Kylee Suttles who shot one in the goal bringing the Lady Cougars within one goal. Late in the second half, the Patriots were given a free kick which bounced off the goal frame and was kicked in by a Patriot forward leaving the score 4-2 at the end of the match.

“Tough loss for us tonight.”  Hill continued, “I thought they held it together well and fought very hard.”

The Lady Cougars host Clinton Thursday night before heading to Sevier County on Friday to play in the Gatlinburg Cup. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/07/2023-6AM)