Howard's high school boys' soccer program, now in its fourth full year, keeps racking up firsts. The Hustlin' Tigers won their first district title in 2017 and followed that up with the 8-AA championship this year and now will play for a region title for the first time.
"I had people today trying to stop my soccer program," Howard coach Curtis Warner said after a 4-1 win Tuesday night against visiting McMinn Central. "I didn't have my full starting lineup and had guys step in and step up, including a goalkeeper who hadn't played a varsity game. His first varsity appearance was in the region.
"I could not be more proud of these young men for dealing with adversity on and off the field. They surpassed anything I've ever asked. We had guys come in 15 minutes before the game because they were at work, and some will go back to work right now. That's commitment.
"Sweat, tears and commitment is what I see when I look at these guys. They never quit."
An uneasy start did not deter the Tigers (12-3-3) from reaching the Region 4-AA final, as they put forth an offensive barrage led by Neyder Gonzalez-Galvez, who netted a first-half hat trick.
A brief rain shower just before game time made for a slick, muddy pitch and a slippery ball. As the conditions kept the defenses from getting their feet under them to start the match, the offenses took advantage.
Gonzalez-Galvez got a long pass from the midfield and fought off a pair of defenders before launching a precise shot just over the keeper's fingertips for the opening goal. On the ensuing possession, McMinn Central's Blake Warren made it 1-1 with a powerful right-footed blast into the left corner.
"It goes back to encouragement," Warner said of his message to the defense. "Mistakes happen, and you have to learn from them. I just told them to be ready and be on their toes, because they want it just as bad. Hats off to McMinn Central, because that's a team that came in wanting it just as bad as we did."
Gonzalez-Galvez had a quick response to put Howard back up, redirecting a bouncing ball in the box into the goal with a toe tap. Before the Chargers could equalize again, Gonzalez-Galvez made it 3-1 by pouncing on a wet ball that slipped through the opposing keeper's arms.
Howard held its 3-1 lead into the final half as the defense settled in to keep McMinn Central at bay. Outside of Warren's goal, the visitors struggled to create another dangerous opportunity.
Meanwhile, Howard fired from all angles near and far. The Tigers continued to create pressure until the last whistle, as balls continually whizzed past the Chargers' goal. Howard ended up with a 21-6 shots advantage.
"We've practiced shooting a lot in practice and building confidence," Warner said. "They had it in their mindset to do this together and stay positive. You could constantly hear the offense encouraging each other and saying, 'Keep it up,' even celebrating their mistakes. That positive reassurance led to those four goals tonight."
Yefri Mendez-Baltazar got taken down in the box as he made another dangerous run at the goal, and Sergio Marcos-Esquivel netted the penalty kick to create the final margin.
Axel Coronado had two saves in his debut in goal for the Tigers. Senior Hunter Powers tallied seven saves for the Chargers.
Contact Idris Garcia at sports@timesfreepress.com.