Republic overcame an early goal by Waynesville to pick up a 3-1 win at home in the first boys soccer game of the season. After the first score by Waynesville, coach Kevin Hauck said his defense “looked awesome” the rest of the night.
Marco Donjuan tied the game late in the first half, scoring off a corner kick to make the score 1-1. Republic took its first lead about midway through the second half. Officials called Waynesville for a hand ball in the box, setting up a penalty kick for Republic, and Jackson McGuire converted to make the score 2-1.
Republic’s final goal came on a shot from outside the box, beyond the 18 yard line, by sophomore Philip Mason, accounting for the final 3-1 score.
The teams played on the artificial turf because of rain earlier in the day.
Republic is 1-0. The Tigers host Ozark on September 3.