Republic caught fire down the stretch, scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes to overcome a 3-1 deficit and shock Branson on the road, 4-3. Drew Flippin scored the game-winner to cap the comeback. Flippin had assisted Austin Beck on Beck’s game-tying goal just before that.
Coach Kevin Hauck says his team is discovering what it’s capable of achieving.
“Last Thursday I told the guys we needed to find out who we are this year–what’s our identity,” Hauck says. “We came out fired up in the second half and scored three (goals) to beat West Plains.
“Down 2-1 at half tonight, and then going down 3-1 with 15 (minutes) left, the boys never stopped playing. We scored one, then tied it, then took the lead. It shows a lot of fight in this team. I believe we are finding out who we are, and we are a team that will scrap and fight to the end.”
Flippin scored two goals, in addition to his assist. Beck scored once and assisted on two other goals. Chris Pacheco scored the other goal for Republic.
Hauck says the comeback at Branson shows his team they’re never out of a game.
“It gives us confidence and allows for us to believe in ourselves and play as a team… (and) everyone to know their role for this team. It shows us that we can score, and if we get down, the game is not over.”
Republic improves to 3-3.
The JV team also won, 3-1.
The Tigers are home Thursday against Springfield Parkview.
