Before kickoff the Mustang seniors were honored at the senior night ceremony, where they were introduced and presented with their parents by their side. The seniors also played exceptionally well during the game, as four of the five Mustang goals were provided by members of the senior class. The opening minutes set the tempo for the rest of the game, as the Mustangs pressured the Mountaineers hard with a new attack-oriented formation that they will likely use for many of the remaining games. With three forwards and three midfielders, the Mustangs were able to get on the board easily in the 8th minute as senior midfielder Gregg Curtin provided a splitting pass to senior forward Kris McMahon who was able to blast the first goal past the Madison goalkeeper. The Mustangs remained relentless as Curtin and McMahon were able to provide another notch on the scoreboard shortly after. McMahon provided a lob over a Mountaineer defender to Curtin who made a sharp run forward, broke away, and was able to slip the ball past the charging Mountaineer keeper to set the score at 2-0.

Junior midfielder Jack Settje dribbles forward as senior defender Mike Chaves provides the supporting run. The Mustangs defeated Madison County 5-0 Tuesday and take on Clarke County at home today for the regular season championship. (Photo by Jared Allan)

Curtin then connected again shortly after, as he volleyed a one touch shot into the goal off of a nicely placed corner kick from senior defender Mike Chaves. Tough defensive efforts from Tim Cammermeyer, Anthony Adriarison and Matt Gretsko allowed the Mustangs to stay composed and on the offensive side of the ball. As the ball moved toward midfield, senior Sean Nannery and junior Jack Settje allowed the Mustangs to keep control of the game as they provided numerous attacking crosses to the sibling forwards from Madagascar, Elio and Antonio Randrianasolo who were playing up top. Great playing also came off the bench, as speedy senior midfielder David Slaght was able to connect off a cross from McMahon at the top of the 18-yard box, and then follow through his own deflected shot off of the Mountaineer goalkeeper to set the halftime score at a convincing 4-0.  

The Mustangs continued to dominate the second half, as players were able to come off the bench to get some valuable game time in district competition. Senior forward Adam Chandler provided a huge push for the Mustangs attack, as he consistently hustled to get the ball and move forward in the second half of the match. Elio, standing at 4’11 and the smallest player on the field, proved his huge game presence as he was able to firmly head a ball past the Mountaineer goalkeeper off of an endline cross from McMahon and finish off the scoring for the match.

The Mustangs (7-0-0) remain undefeated as they look to keep the regular season district title in their hands with their final match against archrival Clarke County at home on Friday. If the Mustangs are able to clench a victory or hold onto a draw, they will go into the district tournament as the top seed and regular season champions.