Division II-AA state first roundMcCALLIE 4, BRIARCREST 0Halftime score: 2-0. Goals: Timi Coker, Michael Chirumbole, Hunter Brock, Jonathan Azan. Assists: Rafael Lacayo 2, David Barnes. Shots on goal: McCallie, 8-1. Saves: Barrett Gish 3 (B). Record: McCallie 9-4-4.
Everything seemed to be clicking for the McCallie soccer team Saturday. Maybe it was because of the Blue Tornado's opponent, or perhaps it was because for the first time all season, they were healthy.
At any rate, there wasn't much that Briarcrest Christian could do about it.
The Blue Tornado scored twice in each half and advanced to the Division II-AA state quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over the Saints. McCallie (9-4-4) will visit Montgomery Bell Academy with a shot in the state final four, which will be held at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro.
The Saints, who were winless in a tough West region this season, used a very physical style of play, which in the second half led to four yellow cards, in part due to frustration. McCallie sophomore Matthew King was assessed one as well after he and Andre Lane got tangled up in the second half.
"It's hard when you face someone that plays as physical as they do," said senior Hunter Brock, who scored the game's third goal. "I think in the second half we had to match their physicality but be smart, because in the first half they were dominating us physically.
"We know we have a big game next week, and we're excited. The other eight seniors and I aren't ready to turn in our jerseys yet."
Timi Coker scored in the fifth minute. Michael Chirumbole made it 2-0 in the 20th minute when the goalkeeper misplayed a cross attempt and the ball ricocheted off the side post into the goal.
David Barnes and Brock hooked up for the first goal in the second half, and then Rafael Lacayo had his second assist of the afternoon, this time feeding Jonathan Azan in the 61st minute.
McCallie allowed only one shot on goal.
"I'm happy with how we performed," coach Tony Meyers said. "We have a lot of guys who haven't been in the playoffs before. We did a good job in the middle, and our defense limited what we thought were their key players."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.