It took a lot longer than anyone wanted, but Republic’s soccer team has started to click under first-year head coach Jesus Zuniga. Republic traveled to Rogersville and came home with a 2-1 victory Thursday, snapping the Wildcats’ 14-game winning streak in the process.
The performance was the second time this week the Tigers competed with one of the top teams in the area. Tuesday, Republic led Glendale 2-1 until the 80th minute, when the Falcons tied the game before winning in overtime.
Before this week, Republic had not scored a goal on artificial turf all season, but they’ve scored four in the last two games.
“We’re moving the ball. They’re playing the way we want them to,” said coach Jesus Zuniga. “We’re finally getting the ball off our foot, getting others involved, and trusting one another. And when you do that, good things happen.”
The Tigers fell behind 1-0, but Mason Cole tied the game when he fired in a shot across the goal box from left to right and found the right side of the net. Diego Zuniga scored the game-winner in the second half when he got loose in the middle and fired the ball past the Rogersville keeper.
Jesus Zuniga said he got several younger players involved in the win, as well.
“This is a huge team win because we had several people come off the bench. I think having these young kids come off the bench…holds the older players accountable and gives that spark knowing this could be our future, too.”
The Tigers wrap the regular season with a game against Webb City next Tuesday.