Greeneville Downs Elizabethton 2-0 To Reach 12th Region Final In 13 Years

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Greeneville secured their place in the Region 1-AA final for the 12th time in 13 years, defeating Elizabethton 2-0 in the semifinal match at Fox Field and Terry Bellamy Soccer Park on Tuesday night.

The two regular-season district champions faced off in an elimination game, with Greeneville’s early goals holding up the rest of the night. The win extends Greeneville’s streak to 14 straight victories over Elizabethton and guarantees them a spot in Saturday’s State Sectional. The loss ends the Cyclones’ season.

Playing on the grass surface at Fox Field for the first time this season, Greeneville exhibited speed and precision in the first half. Despite Elizabethton controlling the early play, Greene Devil goalie Tanner Myers made a crucial save off Reece Vernon’s free kick from 20 yards out, tipping the shot onto the crossbar.

Greeneville then shifted the momentum. In the 17th minute, Samuel Gourley capitalized on a 50-50 ball, beating Elizabethton keeper Tucker Taylor and scoring from a tight angle to give Greeneville a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, a free kick from David Fisher found Austin Beets, who dummied the ball through his legs to Connor Stayton. Stayton’s one-time shot doubled Greeneville’s lead to 2-0.

The second half was marked by heavy rain, which slowed the pace and made accuracy difficult. Greeneville’s best chance in the second half came when Beets set up Fisher for a one-on-one attempt with Taylor, which went just wide. Taylor kept Elizabethton in the game with several key saves, denying Beets, Jude Dyer, and Matthew Lindberg.

Elizabethton’s best opportunity came in the final minutes. Following a corner kick, Riley Vernon found himself with a point-blank chance, but Myers preserved the shutout with a crucial save. Greeneville maintained control for the remainder of the match to secure their spot in the Region Championship game against David Crockett, who defeated Grainger 4-0.

Greeneville outshot Elizabethton 26-6 and directed 13 shots on goal to ‘Betsy’s 5.  Tucker Taylor of Elizabethton made 11 saves and Tanner Myers of Greeneville made 5 saves.  Myers, along the with back four of Griffin Gricunas, Brandon Rogers, Liam Polte, and Connor Stayton, preserved Greeneville’s 7th shutout of the season, all of them against AA competition.

Tuesday’s victory was also marked by Teacher Impact Night, where nine Greeneville seniors recognized teachers who have significantly impacted their lives and education.

Teacher Impact Night Honorees:

Greeneville will host David Crockett in the Region Championship game on Thursday at a location and time to be announced. The win secures Greeneville a berth in Saturday’s Sectional, where they aim to advance to the Elite 8 for the 12th consecutive year.