by Austin Coats, sports editor

The A&M Consolidated boys soccer team went into their home match against the Huntsville Hornets looking for three points as they start district play. Through strong defensive play and heavy pressure throughout the Tigers won 3-0.

Consol had a poor twelve minutes to start the game but they eventually found a rhythm and started putting passes together with considerable success. There were few chances for either team in the half but the Tigers did get themselves on the scoresheet off of a mistake from the Hornets. Senior Clayton Gage was fouled in the middle third, delaying play. However, Gage’s alertness was paramount as he got up quickly and found senior Ian Pierson down field. Pierson received the pass, dribbled past the final defender, and cooly slid the ball between the keeper’s legs.

With a one-goal the lead the Tigers had the second half to defend and add insurance, and they executed thoroughly. With only nine minutes gone in the half, junior David Gan’s flying volley at the edge of the box gave the Tigers some breathing room. Junior Sam McKenzie had two close opportunities to shut the game down — a long range effort that was dipping into the far post before it was saved by the keeper and a rebound off of an on-target free kick from Gan — however, Consol would have to wait until the final minute for their third goal. Pierson sent a diagonal through ball past a lone reaching Huntsville defender that found Alejandro Gonzalez free to smash it past the keeper — and he did just that, delivering a final blow to the Hornets.

The Tigers will receive three points and a +3 goal differential in the district table, a perfect way to start. On Friday they will head to Willis and play at 6:30.