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	<title>Boys Soccer Archives - Sporting Times</title>
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	<title>Boys Soccer Archives - Sporting Times</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Spartans-Dragons, Vol. 4</title>
		<link>https://stfanclub.com/spartans-dragons-vol-4/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=spartans-dragons-vol-4</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Perry Swack]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:07:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[4th Region Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boys Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South Warren Spartans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Warren Central]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stfanclub.com/?p=22622</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Warren Central and South Warren play for region title&#160; By Perry Swack South Warren and Warren Central will play at The Pit on Thursday night with a chance to represent the 4th Region in the KHSAA state tournament. For South, it would be a fifth title in eight seasons. For Central, a region championship would be its third since 2017. The two programs have faced off three times this season. They have also faced off in three region championship games [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/spartans-dragons-vol-4/">Spartans-Dragons, Vol. 4</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>Warren Central and South Warren play for region title&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>By Perry Swack</p>



<p>South Warren and Warren Central will play at The Pit on Thursday night with a chance to represent the 4th Region in the KHSAA state tournament. For South, it would be a fifth title in eight seasons. For Central, a region championship would be its third since 2017. The two programs have faced off three times this season. They have also faced off in three region championship games since 2019. Tonight will be Volume 4.</p>



<p>Playing in what is considered by many to be the state’s toughest district, the Spartans and Dragons have faced stiff competition on their run to the region final. The Spartans lead the state with 15 shutouts and have only allowed 16 goals all season. Junior keeper <strong>Braxton McCoy </strong>anchors the defense in goal, appearing in all 22 games for the club in 2023. Experienced defenders like <strong>Logan Palmquist </strong>have logged many important minutes for the Spartans over the years. Seniors Palmquist and midfielder <strong>Leo Kogetsu </strong>both appeared in the state championship game in 2020, while defender <strong>Blake Bere</strong> played in the state tournament in 2021. South boasts the state’s fourth-highest RPI and is unbeaten in its last seven matches. Freshman <strong>Aid Becirovic </strong>has been on a tear this season scoring 21 goals in 22 matches. Kogetsu has scored 12 goals on the year, including two in the region semifinals last night. Senior midfielder <strong>Tarik Hamzagic</strong> led the team with eight assists entering the semifinal match.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22623" srcset="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-770x513.jpg 770w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-360x240.jpg 360w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-370x247.jpg 370w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-293x195.jpg 293w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U1717-1400x933.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Blake Bere, South Warren</figcaption></figure>



<p>Looking for its first region title since 2019, Warren Central is led by sophomore <strong>Mzaliwa Noel</strong>’s 15 goals and eight assists in attack. Noel added to his total in the semifinal round with a goal and two assists as the Dragons dispatched Todd County Central, 4-1. Freshman <strong>Daniel Rivas </strong>has tallied 10 goals and seven assists on the year as well, while freshman <strong>Daudi Kaburu</strong> and sophomore <strong>Jonathan Pocasangre </strong>have combined for 13 assists. One of only three seniors on the Dragon roster, <strong>Byaunda Elombelo</strong> bagged a brace against the Rebels to bring his goal total to eight in ‘23. Sophomore goalkeeper <strong>Almian Sakanovic</strong> leads the backline, only allowing 18 goals in 20 games.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22624" srcset="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-770x513.jpg 770w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-360x240.jpg 360w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-370x247.jpg 370w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-293x195.jpg 293w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CJ4U2150-1400x933.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Almian Sakanovic, Warren Central</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Spartans and Dragons have faced off three times this season with SW coming out on top all three times by the same scoreline: 1-0. The first meeting at Warren Central was won on a Becirovic goal assisted by <strong>Lian Thang</strong> in double overtime. Two weeks later, the clubs met at South Warren and again Thang assisted on the winning goal, this time scored by Hamzagic. Hamzagic scored the winner in the district title game in overtime as the Spartans clinched their first district championship since 2018.</p>



<p>How will the region finale go tonight at The Pit? If recent history is any indicator, the final may well be 1-0 again. Seven of the last nine matches in the series have had a 1-0 scoreline.</p>



<p><strong>Prediction: </strong>South Warren opens with a first half goal and goes into the break leading 1-0. The Spartans threaten to make it 2-0, but the Dragons level midway through the second half. Neither team is able to find its golden goal and the region championship goes to penalty kicks. Two of the game’s top keepers go head-to-head. McCoy and Sakanovic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Which team comes out on top? Come out to Bowling Green Junior High School at 6:00pm tonight to find out.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/spartans-dragons-vol-4/">Spartans-Dragons, Vol. 4</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
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		<title>Russell County Looking to Three-Peat</title>
		<link>https://stfanclub.com/russell-county-looking-to-three-peat/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=russell-county-looking-to-three-peat</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Perry Swack]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Aug 2023 17:44:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[16th District]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boys Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foundation Christian Academy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monroe County Falcons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russell County Lakers]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stfanclub.com/?p=22536</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Independent Foundation Christian Academy kicks off its inaugural season&#160; By Perry Swack 16th District Boys Soccer Preview Russell County Lakers 2022 Record: 6-14 Won 16th District&#160; Coach: Steve Betts, Fourth Season The two-time defending district champions will return their top eleven scorers from a season ago. Coach Steve Betts, who has overseen the revitalization of the Laker soccer program (it was defunct from 2008-2019), will turn to the likes of Geison Maradiaga (8 goals in ‘22) and Xavier Betts-Jimenez (3 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/russell-county-looking-to-three-peat/">Russell County Looking to Three-Peat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>Independent Foundation Christian Academy kicks off its inaugural season&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>By Perry Swack</p>



<p><strong>16</strong><strong><sup>th</sup></strong><strong> District Boys Soccer Preview</strong></p>



<p><strong>Russell County Lakers</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 6-14</p>



<p>Won 16<sup>th</sup> District&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Coach:</strong> Steve Betts, Fourth Season</p>



<p>The two-time defending district champions will return their top eleven scorers from a season ago. Coach Steve Betts, who has overseen the revitalization of the Laker soccer program (it was defunct from 2008-2019), will turn to the likes of <strong>Geison Maradiaga </strong>(8 goals in ‘22) and <strong>Xavier Betts-Jimenez </strong>(3 goals, 5 assists) to win a third-straight 16th District crown. After losing in the 4th Region Tournament by scorelines of 8-0 and 10-0 in 2020 and 2021, RCHS nearly advanced to the semifinals in 2022 before falling 2-0 to Todd County Central.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Senior <strong>Dawson Bradshaw</strong>. The utility player can do it all after scoring five goals and two assists, while also logging 206 saves in goal. You may see Bradshaw playing anywhere on the pitch for the Lakers in 2023.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 8 – Russell County hosts Barren County in the season opener for both teams. The Trojans clipped the Lakers in 2022 (2-1) and RCHS will look to show they can play with the class of the 4th Region.</p>



<p><strong>Monroe County Falcons</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 0-15</p>



<p>16th District Runner-Up</p>



<p><strong>Coach:</strong> Austin Collins, Second Season</p>



<p>Monroe County enters the season looking to get back to its winning ways. As recently as 2020, the Falcons were crowned 16th District champions. In coach Austin Collins’ second season, he will rely upon the services of talented returners <strong>Reuben Dodson</strong> and <strong>Victor Pallido</strong>. Both return as the team’s leading scorers from 2022.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Goalkeepers <strong>Victor Roman</strong> and <strong>Jerome Setliff</strong> — the two split time as <strong>Jarius Glover’s</strong> backup in ‘22. Roman recorded 19 saves in his time between the posts.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 24 – The Falcons travel to Allen County-Scottsville for a matchup with the last team it defeated (2021). The Patriots won 6-1 last season, so Monroe will be looking to avenge the defeat.</p>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Independent Boys Soccer Preview</strong></p>



<p><strong>Foundation Christian Academy Falcons</strong></p>



<p>Coach: Neal Mathis, First Season</p>



<p>Foundation Christian Academy has begun to field teams across various sports in KHSAA such as volleyball and boys’ basketball. 2023 will be the first season the school has fielded a boys’ soccer team. Although they are not playing in a district, the Bowling Green-based school will play area teams this fall. At the time of publication, the Falcons had eleven games scheduled including a home and home with Monroe County and home date against Russellville. The club is also set to play in the 4th Region All “A” Classic in September.</p>



<p>Head coach Neal Mathis brings 4th Region experience having coached Monroe County from 2018 to 2021. Fifteen players were listed on the program’s roster on KHSAA’s website for its inaugural season.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 12 – It seems only fitting that FCA opens its season with its coach’s former team. The Falcons will travel to Tompkinsville to take on the Falcons of Monroe County in what should be an appetizing opener for both programs. Monroe will be hungry for a victory and FCA will be looking to begin its inaugural season in style.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/russell-county-looking-to-three-peat/">Russell County Looking to Three-Peat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
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		<title>Hungry for More</title>
		<link>https://stfanclub.com/hungry-for-more/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=hungry-for-more</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Perry Swack]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Jul 2023 14:05:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Boys Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[15th District]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Allen County-Scottsville Patriots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barren County Trojans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glasgow Scotties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Warren East Raiders]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stfanclub.com/?p=22531</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>After winning its first district championship in school history, Warren East hopes to build on its strong 2022 campaign By Perry Swack 15th District Boys Preview Warren East Raiders 2022 Record: 12-5 Won 15th District&#160; Coach: Luis Cano, third season Having won the school’s first district championship in boys’ soccer, the Warren East Raiders enter 2023 hungry for more. Coach Luis Cano’s squad are expected to return some of its strongest contributors from 2022, including leading scorer Misael Giron. The [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/hungry-for-more/">Hungry for More</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p><em>After winning its first district championship in school history, Warren East hopes to build on its strong 2022 campaign</em></p>



<p>By Perry Swack</p>



<p><strong>15</strong><strong><sup>th</sup></strong><strong> District Boys Preview</strong></p>



<p><strong>Warren East Raiders</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 12-5</p>



<p>Won 15<sup>th</sup> District&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Coach:</strong> Luis Cano, third season<br></p>



<p>Having won the school’s first district championship in boys’ soccer, the Warren East Raiders enter 2023 hungry for more. Coach Luis Cano’s squad are expected to return some of its strongest contributors from 2022, including leading scorer <strong>Misael Giron</strong>. The incoming senior scored 33 goals and tallied 15 assists as a junior. Goalkeeper <strong>Stevan Rodriguez </strong>helped anchor a stout defense as the Raiders posted seven shutouts on the season. After losing only four seniors from the ‘22 roster, Warren East will be primed to make more noise across the 15th District and 4th Region.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Senior <strong>David Alfaro</strong>. As a junior, Alfaro scored six times and assisted on four other goals as the Raiders had a banner season on the pitch.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>September 21 – Warren East travels to Greenwood, who eliminated the Raiders from the 4th Region Tournament in 2022.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-rounded"><img decoding="async" src="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WEHS-Soccer-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22532" width="800"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Picture provided by Warren East High School</figcaption></figure>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Glasgow Scotties</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 6-14</p>



<p>15<sup>th</sup> District Runner-Up</p>



<p><strong>Coaches: </strong>Ken and Laura Mahung, 10th Season</p>



<p>Glasgow may have seen its run of eight-consecutive district titles come to an end in 2022; however, the Scotties qualified for an eleventh-straight 4th Region Tournament. Improvement was the name of the game for coaches Ken and Laura Mahung. GHS went 0-4 against Barren County and Warren East in the regular season but defeated Barren in the district tournament and nearly toppled East before falling in penalties. Senior<strong> Nick Bower</strong> returns to the lineup after scoring six goals and assisting on six more a season ago. Goalkeeper <strong>Richard Crowe</strong> will be expected to get the nod in goal, after making eight saves in a 2-0 loss to Franklin-Simpson in the 4th Region Tournament.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Junior <strong>Darwin Hernandez</strong> who tallied five assists a season ago.<strong> Jared Malagon</strong> scored four goals as a freshman and will play a larger role in ‘23.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 17 — Glasgow travels to Warren East for a rematch of last season’s district championship game</p>



<p><strong>Barren County Trojans</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 12-8</p>



<p><strong>Coach: </strong>Bobbie Nyekan, 11th Season (1st since 2014)</p>



<p>After an eight-season tenure for coach Joe Mercer, former head man <strong>Bobbie Nyekan </strong>(2005-14) returns to the Barren County dugout. In his first run with the program, the Trojans went to five-straight 4th Region Tournaments and won two district titles in 2012 and 2013. The task will be tall as Barren County graduated one of its most prolific scorers in program history, Micah Wilson, who bagged 40 goals in 2022. <strong>Alan Edberg </strong>is the team’s top returning scorer after scoring seven goals and handing out six assists a season ago. Nyekan will be looking for players to fill in the gaps left by a talented senior class</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Trojans’ experienced back line which featured <strong>Colton Boone, John Edberg, Osmar Casas, </strong>and <strong>Logan Gerber </strong>a season ago. The quartet combined to play in nearly every game and all return for the ‘23 campaign.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 24 – The Trojans travel to Warren East for an early-season district showdown that will show both teams exactly where they stand two weeks into the 2023 season.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Allen County-Scottsville Patriots</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 4-16</p>



<p><strong>Coach: </strong>Josue Ramirez, 4th Season</p>



<p>There is much room for optimism among the Allen County-Scottsville boys’ soccer program as the team has improved its win totals in each of its first three seasons as a program. After debuting in 2020 with zero wins, the Patriots won once in 2021, and four times in 2022. Although the program’s all-time leading scorer Aaron Shain (29 goals) has graduated, coach Josue Ramirez returns talent that he hopes will allow his team to continue its improvement. <strong>Blade Workman </strong>will feature in the ACS lineup after scoring 12 goals and assisting on six more in 2022. Goalkeeper <strong>Ashtyn Ballinger</strong> also returns after making an astounding 268 saves a season ago.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Junior <strong>Sammy Jines</strong>. Jines scored four goals in 2022, while leading the team with eight assists. His connection with Workman and others will be key for success on the pitch in 2023.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 10 – Allen County-Scottsville opens the season with Logan County in the Kentucky 2A Tournament. The two clubs split in 2022 and this early-season matchup is a major opportunity for the Patriots to play well as the ‘23 season kicks off.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/hungry-for-more/">Hungry for More</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
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		<title>A New Day?</title>
		<link>https://stfanclub.com/a-new-day/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=a-new-day</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Perry Swack]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:33:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[13th District]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boys Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Franklin-Simpson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Logan County]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russellville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Todd County Central]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stfanclub.com/?p=22525</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Franklin-Simpson has won the last three district titles but were nearly dethroned in 2022 By Perry Swack 13th District Boys Soccer Preview Franklin-Simpson Wildcats 2022 Record: 16-7-1 Won 13th District&#160; 4th Region Semifinalist Unmatched in the 4th Region, Franklin-Simpson has won 17 district championships since 2001. Since the 13th District was realigned in 2012, the Wildcats have won 8 out of 10 titles. Since 2020, coach Justin Dyer’s club has won 20 of 21 district games and the district crown [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/a-new-day/">A New Day?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>Franklin-Simpson has won the last three district titles but were nearly dethroned in 2022</em></p>



<p>By Perry Swack</p>



<p><strong>13<sup>th</sup> District Boys Soccer Preview</strong></p>



<p><strong>Franklin-Simpson Wildcats</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 16-7-1</p>



<p>Won 13<sup>th</sup> District&nbsp;</p>



<p>4th Region Semifinalist<br></p>



<p>Unmatched in the 4th Region, Franklin-Simpson has won 17 district championships since 2001. Since the 13th District was realigned in 2012, the Wildcats have won 8 out of 10 titles. Since 2020, coach <strong>Justin Dyer’s </strong>club has won 20 of 21 district games and the district crown in each of those three seasons. Franklin will be the favorite to win an 18th district title in 23 seasons as they return two of the top goal scorers in the 4th Region in <strong>Oscar Lopez </strong>(25 goals, 15 assists) and <strong>Griff Banton </strong>(23 goals, 11 assists).</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Senior <strong>Peyton Martin</strong>. The forward scored 10 goals and assisted on five more in the Wildcat attack.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 15 – Franklin hosts Todd County Central in an early-season showdown that will pit the district’s top teams against one another. All three matches went to at least overtime in 2022.</p>



<p><strong>Todd County Central</strong> <strong>Rebels</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 17-4-1</p>



<p>13<sup>th</sup> District Runner-Up</p>



<p>4<sup>th</sup> Region Semifinalist</p>



<p>The Rebels not only reached the 4th Region Tournament for the first time since 2013, but they also reached the semifinals where they were eliminated by Greenwood. Todd County Central gave Franklin-Simpson all it could handle in the 13th District, defeating the Wildcats in penalty kicks, losing in overtime, and then falling in double overtime in the district championship. Might it be a new day in the 13th? Are Coach <strong>Mike Smith’s</strong> club here to stay? Senior <strong>Zack Robinson</strong> returns in defense after scoring 17 goals and tallying six assists in 2022. Five players who scored at least six goals a season ago will return in 2023.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Junior midfielder <strong>Chris Salazar </strong>returns after scoring ten goals and assisting on 11 more in 2022.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>September 7 — Todd County Central will host Franklin-Simpson with the district’s #1 seed likely on the line. The Rebels defeated their district rivals at home a season ago.</p>



<p><strong>Russellville Panthers</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 8-12-1</p>



<p>After qualifying for three, consecutive 4th Region Tournaments from 2019 to 2021, the Panthers took a step back in 2022 and failed to reach the event. Then-senior <strong>Dalton Gilbert </strong>had an outstanding campaign in the goal-scoring column, tallying 49 goals for RHS. With his departure, coach <strong>Jeramy Rust </strong>will be looking for new players who can step up in his absence. Senior <strong>Akshar Patel</strong> (3 goals, 10 assists) and junior <strong>Samuel Cruz</strong> (3 goals, 7 assists) return and will look to lead the Panthers in 2023.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Senior <strong>Talon Stratton</strong> recorded a whopping 181 saves from his goalkeeper position in 2022 and led the team with two shutouts. His play will be crucial in defense.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>September 12 – The Panthers host Todd County Central and will be looking to upend their upstart, district rivals after the Rebels eliminated RHS in the 2022 district tournament.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Logan County Cougars</strong></p>



<p>2022 Record: 4-17</p>



<p>The <strong>Trevor Gray </strong>tenure begins at Logan County as the Cougars will play for their fourth coach in as many seasons. It is expected that leading scorer and assist man <strong>Daniels Dawson</strong> will return after scoring 14 goals and dishing six assists in 2022. From 2014 to 2019, Logan appeared in six-consecutive 4th Region Tournaments and won two 13th District titles. Gray will look to return the club to this status.</p>



<p><strong>Watch Out For</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Senior goalkeeper <strong>Felix Fernandez</strong>. Fernandez made 160 saves in 2022 and will look to have a strong season in 2023 as his career comes to a close.</p>



<p><strong>Circle the Date</strong></p>



<p>August 15 – Logan County hosts crosstown rival Russellville to kick off the Cougars’ district slate. The ‘22 matchup at LCHS ended in a dramatic penalty shootout won by the Panthers.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/a-new-day/">A New Day?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
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		<title>A New Champion will be Crowned</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Perry Swack]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:13:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Boys Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bowling Green Purples]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Franklin-Simpson wildcats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greenwood Gators]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Todd County Central Rebels]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stfanclub.com/?p=21908</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bowling Green and Greenwood look to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2015 By Perry Swack From 2000-2015 Bowling Green and Greenwood won sixteen out of sixteen 4th Region boys’ soccer titles. Bowling Green won ten championships (most recently a four-peat from 2012-15), while Greenwood took home six trophies (with a four-peat from 2008-11 as well). However, the last six seasons have seen neither program claim what used to be theirs without question. South Warren won [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/a-new-champion-will-be-crowned/">&lt;strong&gt;A New Champion will be Crowned&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>Bowling Green and Greenwood look to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2015</em></p>



<p>By Perry Swack</p>



<p>From 2000-2015 Bowling Green and Greenwood won sixteen out of sixteen 4<sup>th</sup> Region boys’ soccer titles. Bowling Green won ten championships (most recently a four-peat from 2012-15), while Greenwood took home six trophies (with a four-peat from 2008-11 as well). However, the last six seasons have seen neither program claim what used to be theirs without question. South Warren won represented the 4th Region in the state tournament in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021, while Warren Central were region champions in 2017 and 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Things have been different this season. While South Warren and Warren Central put together outstanding seasons on the pitch, the Purples and Gators clipped their crosstown rivals in the district tournament. Now only four teams remain with a chance to hold the trophy Thursday night at Warren Central.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The second semifinal on Wednesday night (7:30pm) will see the 14<sup>th</sup> District runner-up Greenwood face off with the 13<sup>th</sup> District runner-up Todd County Central. Greenwood is in its first region tournament since 2013 and will be looking to continue its hot streak against the Rebels. Heading into the event, the Gators were led by junior <strong>Andy Alfaro’s</strong> 15 goals, while he and fellow junior <strong>Carlos Hercules</strong> each had assisted on five goals. Greenwood’s 10-10-2 record doesn’t jump out on the page; however, coach <strong>Luis Llontop’s</strong> club has been in nearly every game this season, losing seven games by a single goal. With ten games decided by a single goal, the Gators will be able to draw upon their experience in tight games if a game comes down to the wire in the region tournament.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://stfanclub.comwp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21910" srcset="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG.jpg 800w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG-770x513.jpg 770w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG-360x240.jpg 360w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG-370x247.jpg 370w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2656JPG-293x195.jpg 293w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Greenwood&#8217;s Imran Karamova</figcaption></figure>



<p>Greenwood’s opponent, Todd County Central, is also appearing in its first region tournament since 2013. Fourth-year coach <strong>Mike Smith </strong>has the Rebels atop nearly every defensive category in the state. The Elkton club has allowed the fewest goals in the state at 11 and senior goalkeeper <strong>Jonah Rager</strong> ranks third statewide with 13 complete game shutouts. Junior defender <strong>Zack Robinson </strong>leads the team with 17 goals, while midfielders <strong>Chris Salazar</strong> and <strong>Horacio Herrera</strong> have each tallied 11 and 10 assists respectively. The trio will be called upon to come through for the Rebels on Wednesday evening. </p>



<p>Interestingly enough, these two teams met back in the 2013 4<sup>th</sup> Region semifinals as Greenwood won 6-0 behind two goals from Edin Hasanovic and a clean sheet from keeper Mitch O’Kelly.</p>



<p>The first semifinal at 5:30pm pits 13<sup>th</sup> District champion Franklin-Simpson (16-6-1) with 14<sup>th</sup> District champion Bowling Green (15-2). The Wildcats are the highest scoring team in the 4<sup>th</sup> Region with 97 goals on the year and have allowed the second-fewest goals in the entire state per game (0.7). Freshman midfielder <strong>Oscar Lopez</strong> leads the team with 25 goals on the year, while sophomore <strong>Griff Banton</strong> has netted 23 on the season. Senior defender <strong>Gabe Jones</strong> has scored 17 goals and leads the team with 20 assists. Senior goalkeeper <strong>Connor Vincent</strong> leads the state with 15 complete game shutouts and will be called upon in a big way on Wednesday evening against the Purples. In a 6-1 loss to Bowling Green in late September, Vincent made ten saves.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://stfanclub.comwp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21911" srcset="https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG.jpg 800w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG-770x513.jpg 770w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG-360x240.jpg 360w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG-370x247.jpg 370w, https://stfanclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BL2G2683JPG-293x195.jpg 293w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>The Purples are in fine form, winners of ten matches in a row. Senior striker <strong>Yaredi Yaredi</strong> leads the team with 12 goals, while fellow senior and midfielder <strong>Shukurani Makiwa</strong> has scored ten goals and leads the team with seven assists. Of Bowling Green’s 65 goals this season, only 15 have been unassisted. Five players have at least five assists, led by Makiwa’s seven and sophomore <strong>Braden Widener’s</strong> six. As noted above, the Purples and Wildcats met on September 29 and BG won 6-1 behind <strong>Tomas Gonzaga’s</strong> two goals and Widener’s two assists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the most accomplished coaches in Kentucky state high school soccer history, <strong>Craig Widener</strong> will look to win his eighth region tournament in thirteen tries. His first stint at Bowling Green started in 2005. His second in 2021. What happened in 2006? The Purples won the state title. Might we be in store for another second season state championship? Only time will tell.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/a-new-champion-will-be-crowned/">&lt;strong&gt;A New Champion will be Crowned&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
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		<title>Goal Scoring Machine &#124; Franklin-Simpson’s Wilson is KY’s top scoring threat</title>
		<link>https://stfanclub.com/goal-scoring-machine-franklin-simpsons-wilson-kys-top-scoring-threat/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=goal-scoring-machine-franklin-simpsons-wilson-kys-top-scoring-threat</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sporting Times]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2016 19:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boys Soccer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Franklin-Simpson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leader]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sportingtimesmagazine.com/?p=9863</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Pride, dedication, talent and integrity are just a handful of the many words that can be used to describe Caleb Wilson’s soccer career. Those adjectives have all translated to his time at Franklin-Simpson High School, as the junior is leading the boys’ soccer squad in goals and points. It began back when he was just three years old playing recreationally and has now brought him to the Wildcats where he is the top scoring threat on the team. “I started [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/goal-scoring-machine-franklin-simpsons-wilson-kys-top-scoring-threat/">Goal Scoring Machine | Franklin-Simpson’s Wilson is KY’s top scoring threat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">Pride, dedication, talent and integrity are just a handful of the many words that can be used to describe Caleb Wilson’s soccer career.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">Those adjectives have all translated to his time at Franklin-Simpson High School, as the junior is leading the boys’ soccer squad in goals and points.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">It began back when he was just three years old playing recreationally and has now brought him to the Wildcats where he is the top scoring threat on the team.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">“I started playing when I was 3 and I fell in love with it the second I touched the ball,” Wilson said.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">With every athlete comes a biggest fan. Wilson calls his late uncle his greatest influence.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">“My uncle – he passed away on August 30, 2015 with pulmonary fibrosis,” Wilson stated. “He was my #1 fan and he has made me the person I am, too. I play for him. I want to succeed for him.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">In just three years with his high-school squad, Wilson has had great success. The player has been able to score 141 total goals and help his club win 42 matches compared to just 12 losses throughout that time period.<a href="http://sportingtimesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_5778-e1475262026711.jpg"><img decoding="async" width="200" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-9865 alignleft" src="https://stfanclub.comwp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_5778-e1475262026711-200x300.jpg" alt="img_5778" /></a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">In regards to finding the back of the net this season, Wilson has had no problem doing that.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">The scoring threat has netted 51 goals so far on the year and is averaging 3.9 goals scored per game. Not only does he lead his team in that category, but also the entire state of Kentucky.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">“I am very honored to be the leading scorer in the state,” Wilson said. “I thank God for giving me the ability to play soccer at the level that I am today.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">Wilson and his Wildcats’ are currently 10-4 on the season with two matches remaining – at Apollo on Sept. 29 and at Warren Central on Oct. 8. The athlete says he and his teammates have grown as a unit throughout the season.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">“I think we have come closer as teammates,” Wilson stated. “The seniors have stepped up and once they stepped up, the team saw it and we all stepped up as a team.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">Wilson has scored in every match but one this year. In a 12-2 victory at Russellville back on Sept. 12, Wilson was able to find the back of net seven times. With that achievement, the player is in a tie with six other former soccer stars in most goals scored in a game. The record is 11.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">“Scoring comes naturally to me,” Wilson noted. “Scoring goals comes naturally to me because I know what I need to do to win the game.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">Although there are still games to be played on this campaign, Wilson states that not only does he want to add to the goals he has already recorded, but also be a mentor to the younger guys.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">“My goals for the 2017 season is to teach the underclassmen to love and play the game together and watch them grow as players,” Wilson said. “I can improve my game by of course scoring more but also teach the younger ones to play the game they love.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">Wilson is not only a goal scoring machine, but also a leader to others.</span></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stfanclub.com/goal-scoring-machine-franklin-simpsons-wilson-kys-top-scoring-threat/">Goal Scoring Machine | Franklin-Simpson’s Wilson is KY’s top scoring threat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stfanclub.com">Sporting Times</a>.</p>
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