Auburn edges Bob Jones in 7A soccer championship

HUNTSVILLE – The Bob Jones boys soccer team left the state final four without the program’s first championship they desired, having instead to settle for second place.

The Patriots, however, also left with no regrets.

Auburn scored the game’s lone goal in the second half, its defense walled off the net and the Tigers claimed a 1-0 win in the Class 7A finals Saturday in front of a lively crowd at the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex at John Hunt Park.

“Our boys fought to the bitter end,’’ Patriots head coach Michael Parker said. “I mean, I really love what they were doing out there. Their grit was undeniable.’’

Auburn’s Jackson Heisler scored on an assist from Ryan Nichols at the 43:44 mark. Goalkeeper Brody Cobine and company made it stand up in the face of increasing pressure from the Patriots.

“The other team just had a great moment in that box and finished that shot,’’ Parker said. “We felt we gave them all we could. We felt that goal, with their keeper and their defense–they did a really good job.’’

Bob Jones held a 12-7 advantage in shots, led in corner kicks 5-2, and trailed 6-4 in shots on goal. Corbin had four saves, while Patriots senior goalie Jose Guzman had five. The Patriots were aggressive and were called for 19 fouls compared to eight for Auburn.

“I think we were just amped up,’’ Bob Jones senior midfielder Zac McGee said. “I mean, it was our first championship game. Fouls happen, it’s a part of soccer.’’

McGee, who scored a golden goal in the second overtime of a 3-2 semifinal win Thursday over Hewitt-Trusville, took three shots as did senior midfielder Arnav Maskey. Junior Kevin Martinez and senior Max Dunkerly both made two attempts and senior Kevin Gregory added one.

Martinez, Maskey, junior Emerson Riles and Dunkerly had the Patriots’ shots on goal.

“I think we all worked our hardest,’’ McGee said. “We were unhappy about the outcome, but we’re glad we made it as far as we did.’’

The championship was the third for Auburn (19-4-2). The runner-up finish was the first for Bob Jones (17-5-1).

“We’re obviously disappointed with the result, but it’s a long season not defined by just one moment,’’ Maskey said. “I’m proud of the effort we put out there. Some things didn’t go our way in the game, but we really can’t control that.

“I thought we did a good job of just giving it everything, and then at the end of the day, sometimes it’s just not your day.’’