Staff Reports

No playoff home games, no problem for Forbush’s boys soccer team.

The Falcons made themselves at home in opposing stadiums in the first two round of the state playoffs, defeating Polk County 3-1 last Wednesday and then topping Smoky Mountain 4-2 on Saturday.

Polk was ranked 12th in the state for Class 2A, while Smoky Mountain was sixth.

Forbush, which has been ranked No. 1 most of the season despite eight forfeit losses, improved to 16-8 with the latest triumphs. Coach Seth Davis’ team played at Wilkes Central on Wednesday night in the third round (after press time for this issue).

Wednesday’s winner will play either Starmount or Surry Central in Saturday’s state quarterfinals. The Falcons would have to travel to play either of those foes as well if it advances.

The road trip to Polk was about three and a half hours, Davis said. The trip was well worth it, though. The two teams exchanged shots in the early going, but neither was able to get one past the other’s keeper.

That all changed as a long punt by Ender Castillo sailed over the head of Polk’s defender. Mario Detomas of Forbush took off, maneuvered around the rushing Polk keeper and placed the ball into the back of the net.

Fifteen minutes into the match, and Forbush led 1-0. Five minutes later, Forbush was on the attack again. Gerardo Gomez switched a 40-yard ball into the corner for Javier Guadarrama.

Instead of dribbling, Guadarrama waited for Josh Miller to come streaking into the box where he slipped the ball to him. Miller took one touch and crossed the ball to the back post where Adrian Zamora was waiting.

Zamora finished off the goal with an overhead kick into the roof.

“It was one of our best goals of the season because we started 60 yards from goal and did not make one dribble; just three passes and a shot,” Davis said.

Polk County did not quit. All-state (2008) forward Cole Weicker picked up a loose ball around the top of the 18-yard box and finished off the shot into the top left corner to cut the lead to just one goal (2-1 FHS).

Just before the half, Polk had a chance to even the score a 2 goals apiece as a Polk defender was fouled near the edge of the box. After a brief discussion the officials determined that the foul was committed outside of the box. The free kick was taken and cleared by the Falcons so the score remained 2-1 at half.

Forbush took control of the match in the second half; only allowing one shot by the Wolverines. Mario Detomas put the game away with a goal in the 68th minute.

The goal started from Gerardo Gomez as he played the ball through to Javier Guadarrama. Javier’s shot was deflected by Hugo Santos (keeper), but Mario was their to mop up and give Forbush a 3-1 lead. The Forbush defense held strong the last 10 minutes to preserve the win.

Forbush outshot Polk County 24 - 6. Ender Castillo had 4 saves for the Falcons and Hugo Santos had 16 for the Wolverines.