Republic scored three consecutive goals to overcome a 4-1 deficit, but Carthage didn’t let the game stay tied for long. Less than a minute after Dylan Brown had tied the score at 4-4, Carthage booted home the eventual game-winner with just over eight minutes remaining.
It was the second time this season that Republic had pushed a southwest Missouri soccer power to the limit on their home field before losing. The Tigers lost to Nixa in overtime earlier this year. Tuesday, it was Carthage’s turn to feel the heat.
Republic jumped out early on a goal by Drew Flippin, assisted by Brown. After Carthage scored four straight goals, Republic went to work.
With less than 10 seconds left in the first half, Republic cut the lead to 3-2 on a goal by Brown on an assist by Julio Quezada. Then, just a minute in the second half, Brown fed Quezada for a third goal. Quezada leaped into the air as the Carthage keeper approached, kicked the ball at the peak of its hop, and popped it over the keeper’s head to score.
With about nine minutes remaining, Brown got a pass from Trenton Roetto, got some space, and cut loose a shot that sailed past the goalkeeper to even the score. But it was just about 40 seconds later that Carthage netted the game winner.
“We’ve been right there against two really good teams this year,” says coach Kevin Hauck. “Hopefully we’re able to get over that hump…and change it up whenever it matters the most during districts.”
Carthage improves to 17-1. Republic falls to 11-5.