The Hopkinsville boys’ soccer team (19-5-1) lost 3-2 in a penalty kick shootout to the visiting Warren Central Dragons (22-1) on Monday night at the Stadium of Champions. Less than a week ago the Tigers eliminated the Henderson County Colonels in a shootout in the regional semifinals, but found themselves on the wrong end this time, losing in the first round of the KHSAA State Tournament for the third time in the last four years.
In early September at the Boots and Butts Classic, the Dragons beat the Tigers 3-0, and they started quickly again. Senior Senid Avdic opened the scoring less than 7 minutes in when he finished off an assist from freshman Leonce Ndikumana.
However, the Tigers soon settled in and by the midway point of the first half they were controlling the game and getting chances against the stingy Dragon defense. Coming into Monday, Warren Central had only conceded 6 goals all season, but Hopkinsville’s pressure paid off with just under 17 minutes left in the half when senior Newcomb Maddux headed in after a flick from senior Caleb Joiner.
The Tigers continued to pile on the pressure with the Dragons dropping deep and unable to get out of their end of the field. With less than 3 minutes left in the half, senior Tyler Aldridge was too quick for a Dragon defender and drew a foul in the 18 yard box. Senior Ethan Noel stepped up and converted the penalty kick, giving the Tigers a 2-1 halftime lead.
The second half began with the Tigers continuing to outwork the Dragons, moving the ball around and keeping them on their heels. By the middle of the half, Warren Central grew more aggressive and the game became a back and forth affair, with chances for both sides. The Dragons had looked to attack down their right side throughout the match, and that’s where with 18 minutes left junior James Khual was able to get a shot off that slipped across the wet ground and got by Tiger sophomore goalkeeper Xavier Bussell. With the score tied, the Dragons were energized, but by the last few minutes of regulation they were holding on as the Tigers swarmed forward looking for a winning goal that wouldn’t come.
Both of the 5 minute overtime periods passed with Hopkinsville having most of the ball, but the Dragons dangerous on the counter. Neither team could find the goal to end it, and the match went to a penalty kick shootout.
Ethan Noel led off for the Tigers, but his shot was saved by Dragon senior goalkeeper Kemal Esmic. Esmic would also save shots by junior Ryan Roussel and Caleb Joiner, while Tiger goalkeeper Bussell saved the Dragons’ first shot, taken by senior Elocho Ramazani. The next two Dragons, sophomore Kiza Anzuruni and Senid Avdic, both scored, meaning the Tigers had to score on their next shot to keep their chances alive. Tyler Aldridge stepped up for the Tigers, but pushed his shot wide, setting off the Dragons’ celebration and leaving the Tigers to deal with another round of 16 exit.
Hopkinsville’s 11 seniors leave the program with a record of 83-16-4, three 8th District Titles, and three 2nd Region championships.