GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Greeneville earned its 13th consecutive trip to the TSSAA state soccer championships with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Austin-East on Saturday. The Greene Devils hosted Austin-East with a chance to advance to the state tournament, and despite early momentum from the Roadrunners, Greeneville settled in to control much of the first half.
In the 8th minute, Austin-East took a free kick from 25 yards out, hitting the shot with pace toward the near post. However, Greeneville goalkeeper Tanner Myers made a crucial save, a turning point in the first half. Following the save, Greeneville applied sustained pressure in the A-E defensive third. In the 18th minute, Austin Beets gathered a pass inside the box, and after navigating two defenders, he fired a shot that deflected off a Roadrunner hand, resulting in a penalty kick. Beets converted from the spot, striking low into the right corner to give Greeneville a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes later, Beets nearly scored his second goal after a turnover by the A-E backline, but his one-timed shot sailed just over the crossbar. Greeneville led 1-0 at halftime, having controlled much of the play.
As the second half commenced, Austin-East adopted a more direct approach, playing long balls over the midfield to their strikers. The pace quickened, with little possession by either team. Eighteen minutes into the second half, the game was suspended due to lightning in the area. After a delay of two hours and twenty-seven minutes, which included several lightning strikes and a brief rain shower, play resumed.
The final 22 minutes saw a frantic pace as Austin-East continued to challenge the Greene Devil defense with direct passes. The Greeneville defense, led by Connor Stayton, Liam Polte, Griffin Gricunas, and Riqui Torres, limited Austin-East’s attack, allowing only three shots in the second half, with just one on target that Myers easily saved. David Fisher was instrumental in distribution from the back, frequently setting up counterattacks for the Greene Devils, though they were unable to capitalize.
The best opportunity to secure the win came in the 72nd minute when the A-E keeper misplayed a kick, but Jude Dyer couldn’t locate the ball in time to tap it into the open goal. Despite this, Austin-East couldn’t generate another significant threat, and Greeneville secured their 13th straight Sectional victory, earning the program’s 13th consecutive trip to Murfreesboro.
Greeneville outshot Austin-East 12-5, with 8 shots on goal for the Greene Devils and only 2 on frame for Austin-East. Myers finished with 2 saves for Greeneville, while Dile had 7 saves for Austin-East.
Greeneville will face Alcoa, who defeated Franklin County to advance to their second straight state tournament, on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Central, 2:30 p.m. Eastern, at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Game coverage will be available on 95.5 FM WSMG or streamed online at Jewel955.com.
