MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Signal Mountain High School (17-3) was lost 2-1 to Grace Christian Academy (19-2-2) in Division I Class A state Semi-Final on Wednesday. The Eagles were unable to complete the second half comeback to reach the final.
GCA outplayed and outshot Signal Mountain in the first half. The Lions had 13 shots compared to the Eagle’s three shots.
Sophomore, Sam Barrionuevo, score the Lion’s first goal two minutes into the game. Midway through the first half, GCA got their second when freshman, Levi Jones, provided the assist to sophomore, Alex Johnson. The Lions took a 2-0 lead into halftime, but it could have been more. Signal Mountain
Head Coach Richard Northcutt was not pleased with his side’s first half performance was eager to change things in the second half.
“Our pressing in the first half was really bad, so we tried to step that up in the second half and play more direct.” said Coach Northcutt.
The tactical change worked as the Eagles scored just a minute into the second half. Senior, Aaron Easterly, scored off of a corner kick to breathe life back into his teammates and fans.
The rest of the match was open with goal scoring opportunities flowing. Fans from all over the complex gathered around in anticipation for the last 30 minutes. GCA made huge defensive stops and managed the clock well to knock out the Eagles. Signal Mountain outshot GCA 10-7 in the second half.
“We have nothing to be ashamed of. I told them that when they look back they will be proud of what they have done.” said Coach Northcutt.
GCA will battle against Gatlinburg-Pittman in the Division I Class A state Final on Friday at 1:30 P.M.