WILLIAMSBURG — Many were counting out Roger Taylor’s Corbin Redhounds when they started the season with a 1-4-1 record.
But Taylor, his coaching staff, and players never quit, and continues to improve day in and day out.
The hard work paid off during Monday’s 49th District Boys’ Soccer Tournament semifinal matchup with Corbin keeping its chances to win another district, and 13th Region title.
The Redhounds outlasted Whitley County, winning 4-1, while capturing their 28th straight win against regional opponents, and 15 consecutive wins against district teams.
Their last loss to a 13th Region/49th District opponent came back on October 17,2019 against South Laurel in the 13th Region title game.
Corbin will now advantage to the 49th District title game which is scheduled to be played Wednesday at 6 p.m.
“That was a hard fought win, a little harder fought than we had hoped,” Corbin coach Roger Taylor said. “Credit to Whitley, they were really tough tonight. Coach (Michael) Branham has made huge strides with the program.
“In the first half, we played exactly into their game plan, and it was a track meet,” he added. “They had a big crowd behind them and it worked as they scored first. Fortunately my guys made the necessary changes in the second half to control the game and play our style of soccer. We were able to possess the ball for large stretches of the game and create some great opportunities. JP Carmichael and Rizzo Cima connected with some beautiful play that resulted in goals. We are happy to be through to the district final and region tournament.”
Corbin fell behind early after Whitley County’s Jacob Senters scored during the 28th minute to give his team a 1-0 edge.
The Redhounds’ JP Carmichael tied the match at one apiece four minutes later. The match went into halftime tied one-all.
An assist by JP Carmichael set up Rizzo Cima’s goal during the 55th minute to give Corbin its first lead at 2-2. Cima added his second goal during the 66th minute, pushing the Redhounds’ edge to 3-1 while Colby Johnson out the finishing touches on the win as the clock expired by connecting with a free kick that found the back of the net.
