Four different players scored in the first half, as Republic bolted to a quick lead and cruised to a 5-0 conference victory over Willard at home Tuesday night. Austin Beck started things off in the 15th minute to give Republic the lead. Julio Quezada scored about four minutes later. Goals by Armando Hurtado and Dylan Brown put the Tigers firmly in control by halftime.
In the second half, the teams played scoreless soccer until the final three minutes. A second goal by Quezada made it 5-0 and accounted for the final score.
“I thought our intensity was really high tonight. We came out with a lot of energy,” says coach Kevin Hauck. “This was an important game — not only a conference game, but…they’re in our district this year.
“We have some kids who are battling injuries, but everyone just seems to be stepping up right now at the right time, and when we’re calling on them to play, they’re doing a good job out there. I’m really proud of them and hopefully it continues.”
The Tigers improve to 5-1 this season. They go on the road to battle COC foe Neosho on Thursday.