MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Boyd Buchanan’s quest for the Division II-AA boys’ soccer championship was helped Wednesday by a valuable old hand and a talented new foot.
As a result, senior Matthew Thomae, sophomore Andrew Pollard and the rest of the Buccaneers have earned one more day at the TSSAA Spring Fling and a shot at adding the second state title in program history.
Thomae, the team’s third-year starter in goal, delivered a whirlwind of momentum as he saved a penalty kick a minute into the second half of a 1-0 semifinal win over previously undefeated Webb School of Bell Buckle. Boyd Buchanan (17-2-1) will face Lausanne (15-1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on Thursday in the title match at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex’s Stadium Field.
“To get to play in the state finals means everything to me,” said Thomae, who finished with four saves. “This is our third year coming back to the Spring Fling and second straight year going to the finals. As a senior, getting to play one more game with my boys is great. This time we plan on bringing the title home.”
An unlikely hero stepped up to deliver the winning goal in the 62nd minute, when Pollard — in just his second match of the season — provided a powerful touch. Pollard did work with a nice pass from his center midfielder, cutting in from the right and zipping a shot into the left half of the net.