Season ends abruptly for Bob Jones girls soccer team

Haleigh Kimble of Gadsden City breaks past Celie Krome (11) to score a goal (Record Photo/ Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- There will be no return trip to the AHSAA State Soccer Championships for the Bob Jones girl’s soccer team.

They lost 5-4 (4-3) on penalty kicks to Gadsden City Tuesday night in a first round playoff game.

It was the first meeting of the season for the two teams. Bob Jones head coach Tony Schroeder knew about Gadsden City’s speed and was concerned about it.

“We knew they were fast, we were able to hold them the first half but the second half they got some good bounces and were able to capitalize on our weaknesses and found gaps in our defense.”

Bob Jones led at the half 2-0 on goals by Katie Bell and Mudia Ikoba.

The momentum quickly changed in the second half. Gadsden City consistently had run outs that led to open shots on goal. Ten minutes into the second half Ashley James long kick over the defense beat keeper Taylor Felts.

Three minutes later Haleigh Kimble had a run out and beat Felts to tie the game. Less than a minute later a stunned Bob Jones team lagged on defense and Lauryn Williams got behind them again and knocked it home. Then Kimble again got behind defender Celie Krome and zipped one past Felts for a commanding 4-2 lead.

Bob Jones regrouped and Mudia Ikoba got free on the side and scored.

As the clock ticked down Bob Jones was desperate. Felts saved two point blank shots to keep it at one goal. With less than a minute left Hannah Ernst scored on a kick from the baseline.

Both teams seemed too tired to drive the ball in the two five minute overtimes.

The game went to penalty kicks. The first five tied at three each. Then Gadsden City won it on the eighth sudden death kick.

“It’s heartbreaking to play that long and lose. The girls fought back, I’m very proud of them, it was an excellent job by them to fight to try to win.” Schroeder said.

Both teams had players go down with cramps as the girls played past the 90 minute mark with little substituting. Bob Jones ended the season with an 11-12 record.

In other action Tuesday James Clemens girls lost to Huntsville 1-0 ending their season.