Republic edged Branson 1–0 in a physical Class 5 District 6 quarterfinal Saturday afternoon in Republic.
The Tigers broke through with 9:47 remaining when Mason Tackett converted a penalty kick to give Republic the only goal it would need. Branson had gone down to 10 men after a red card midway through the second half, but continued to pressure the Tigers until the final whistle.
Republic outshot Branson 11–7, and both teams finished with four shots on goal. Goalkeeper Koal Williams stopped all four for the shutout.
“I know the last two times we played them, we split the series one and one. Both games were physical, chippy, back and forth, overall good play,” Williams said. “We’ve got to play our game. When we play our game, we’re mentally and physically there, and that’s what we did. And obviously, it showed on the scoreboard.”
Even after Branson went a man down, Williams said he kept his focus. “I was just telling myself, mentally, just stay focused,” he said. “They may be a man down, but they’re still a good team.”
The win sends Republic into the district semifinals Wednesday night, when the Tigers will host top-seeded Glendale.
