Box Score Scots Grab Key Road Win at Brevard
BREVARD, N.C. – "Great to get it done on the road!"
Maryville head coach Pepe Fernandez said it best after his Scots ground out a 2-1 conference victory at Brevard on Saturday afternoon.
Brevard outshot the Scots 27-2, but an early own goal, a nifty second-half strike from Austin Vinyard and a brilliant late save from Mykal Manfred solidified Maryville's hold on first place in the Western Division of USA South.
"Sometimes you dig your heels in on the road and get the result," Fernandez said from the victorious team bus. "Our boys showed a lot of class and composure. We defended very well and were fantastic on the counter.
"The work rate by our entire team and the unbelievable play from our back four were amazing."
Less than four minutes into the match, a Brevard back pass headed to the keeper instead bounded completely over his head and into the goal for an early Maryville 1-0 advantage.
Brevard leveled three minutes before the halftime whistle, but Maryville reclaimed the lead in the 56th minute when Craig McIlwraith found Vinyard streaking just to the right of the penalty area. With the Brevard keeper charging fast, Vinyard chipped his shot over his opponent's head and one-hopped it into the side netting to make it 2-1.
Point-Blank Save
The Tornadoes continued to press as they had all match, but Maryville held firm. Brevard had a terrific chance in the 89th minute when Ryan Lynch fired a shot that Manfred just got a hand on to deflect over the bar. Manfred caught the ensuing corner kick and that was that.
Maryville's other shot in the match came off the boot of Ndubueze Henry just a few seconds before halftime.
The Scots improved to 11-2-1 overall and 4-0-1 in conference for 13 points, while Brevard is now 7-3-3 and 1-2-2 for five points. Covenant (2-0-2) is in second place with eight points, followed by Huntingdon (2-1-1) in third with seven.
Maryville hosts LaGrange (6-4, 2-2) next Saturday for Senior Day and Homecoming. A Scots victory clinches first place in the Western Division of USA South. Kickoff is 4 p.m.
"We need to improve this week," Fernandez said. "But we will be very happy to be back home for Senior Day and Homecoming with the chance to win the title."
