Walker Valley an upstart soccer semifinalist

Soccer tile
Soccer tile

The Walker Valley boys' soccer team did not win a game in district play during the 2015 season, but it wasn't from a lack of effort or opportunities. The Mustangs outshot every opponent they faced in District 5-AAA, but an 0-6 record had them as the No. 7 seed in the tournament.

Saturday afternoon, they had similar chances, and although they missed their fair share, they made the one that mattered.

The last-place Mustangs (6-9) won 1-0 over second-seeded Ooltewah, which had beat them 5-1 in the regular season, in one of the quarterfinal matches. That put Walker Valley in the district semifinals for the first time since 2009.

They'll play tonight at 6:30 at East Hamilton, which won the regular-season matchup 4-1.

"We're a capable team," Walker Valley coach Tom Bayliss said. "We've played good soccer, but it was like we were missing layups all season. It was tough, but I knew this team was capable."

Area district semifinals in all Tennessee classifications are this afternoon or tonight at higher-seeded sites. Georgia second-round state playoff matches also start this evening.

Walker Valley freshman Samuel McDonald did the scoring Saturday with a goal 15 minutes into the second half. From that point forward, it was about the defense and goalkeeper Skyler Swafford.

Despite the losses, Bayliss said he kept believing in his players, continually telling them that they were good.

"I'm not big on blowing smoke," he said. "I let them know that there wasn't a team on our schedule that we couldn't beat. Our goal Saturday wasn't a fluke goal; we got the lead and there were a few heart-stopping moments, but it was a fight the whole game."

Bradford to TWC

Boyd-Buchanan senior Hunter Bradford signed Monday to continue his soccer career at NAIA member Tennessee Wesleyan.

Bradford, a midfielder, has been a part of two district titles, a region championship and two sectional appearances. He has 26 goals and 21 assists.

"It's a privilege to sign with such a great program," Bradford said. "I look forward to continuing my career with great coaches and amazing teammates. I'm grateful for everything Boyd-Buchanan has done for me, and I'm excited to make this school proud next year as I continue at TWC."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.

Today's soccer schedule

District 5-A/AA Semifinals Loudon at Arts & Sciences, 5 McMinn Central at Boyd-Buchanan, 7District 6-A/AA Semifinals Central at Hixson, 5 Howard vs. East Ridge at Camp Jordan, 7District 7-A/AA Semifinals Jackson County/Sequatchie winner at Signal Mountain, 7 Notre Dame at Chattanooga Christian, 7District 5-AAA Semifinals Walker Valley at East Hamilton, 6:30 McMinn County vs. Cleveland at Cleveland Soccer Complex, 7 GHSA second round playoffsClass AAAA Southeast Whitfield girls at Veterans, 6Class AAA Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe girls at Washington County, 5 Westminster girls at Calhoun, 5

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