Greeneville’s soccer team used patience and persistence to make Senior Night a celebration Tuesday at Burley Stadium. Despite facing a packed defensive front in the final third and playing several athletes out of position for much of the match, the Greene Devils moved the ball effectively, created space, and capitalized on 47 shots, including 22 on goal, to roll past Cherokee 6-0 and advance to their 14th consecutive district championship game.
“Any time you get to advance in the postseason, you have to be happy,” said coach Jerry Graham. “We’re elated about the score, and we distributed the ball really well, getting some different scorers on the field. It was good to see how the guys played together tonight, but overall, we were especially glad to see the chemistry they brought to the field.”
Greeneville struck first in the eighth minute when Emmerson Hensley took a pass from Gabe Oakley and blasted a one-timer past the keeper for a 1-0 lead.
The Greene Devils had several chances to add to their advantage, but shots sailed wide, rattled off the crossbar, or were turned away by Cherokee’s goalkeeper until the 21st minute. That’s when Addison Lenker finished from five yards out off an assist from Hensley to make it 2-0.
Greeneville added one more before halftime as Aidan Inscore broke free and beat the keeper from five yards out in the 32nd minute, sending the Devils into the break with a 3-0 lead.
The second half followed a similar script, with Greeneville controlling possession but struggling to convert until Chris Lopez ripped a shot from 18 yards out into the back of the net in the 48th minute for a 4-0 advantage.
Over the final 10 minutes, the Greene Devils shifted several players back to their natural positions and increased the tempo, leading to two more scores.
Remi Elyze Vital made it 5-0 in the 72nd minute, blasting a shot into the upper 90 from 18 yards out.
Inscore capped the scoring in the 76th minute with his second goal of the night after taking a pass from Sam Gourley.
Graham praised his seniors for both their production and leadership throughout the season.
“The statistics speak for themselves, but beyond that, it’s the leadership they’ve brought to this team,” Graham said. “They got to come out here tonight, enjoy each other, and enjoy the game of soccer, which is ultimately what this is all about. If they leave our program without having fun, then we’ve done them a disservice. Hopefully they’ll carry those memories with them and leave a legacy for those coming behind them.”
Greeneville now turns its attention to Thursday’s district championship match, where the Devils will face Volunteer at 6 p.m. after Volunteer edged Grainger 3-2.
The winner will not only claim the district title and add another trophy to their list of accomplishments but also earn the right to host a first-round region tournament match next Tuesday.
