OCA middle school soccer team wins first two matches

The Oakwood Christian Middle School soccer team kicked off its 2017 season with an impressive 7-1 win over Berean Academy in Hixson, Tenn. last Monday.

Tomo Gilchrist knocked home six of the seven goals for the Eagles, while Garrett Dempsey tallied a solo goal.

“Our defense, including our goalies, played rock solid,” head coach Tony Vona said. “The midfield worked extremely hard and linked up well with our forwards. We are young team with four eighth graders, three seventh graders and 10 sixth grades. Despite our youth, we played well. However, we have a lot of work to do and a long ways to go.”

Three nights later, the Eagles got two each by Gilchrist and sixth grader Hunter Hickman, propelling them to 4-1 win over Tennessee Christian Prep School in OCA’s first home match of the season.

Price Ray had a solid evening in net for the Eagles, who improved to 2-0 on the season.

“TCPS was loaded with eighth graders that played very strong,” Vona said. “The key to our victory was a complete team effort. Price played an amazing game with key moment saves. Our defense was outstanding once again and our midfield neutralized their best player, making it hard for him to control the play. Again, everyone played their part brilliantly.

“We are a very young team, but the kids played like veterans and gained the victory with a lot of determination.”

Results of OCA’s match at Boyd-Buchanan this past Monday were not available as of press time. On Thursday, they will head to the Redoubt soccer complex in Chattanooga to face Silverdale Baptist Academy at 4:15 p.m.