Demopolis soccer routs Bryant

Demopolis (8-2-1) cruised over Paul Bryant 6-1 Wednesday, moving its area record to 2-0 on the season.

The Tigers took a total of 46 shots on goal in the game with a match-high nine of those coming off the foot of Adam Brooker.

“We did not attack the goal like we should have. We’re taking one shot and hoping it goes in instead of taking a shot and crashing that goal and getting that second shot and second effort,” Demopolis coach Brad Daniels said of the his team’s primary flaw during Wednesday’s effort. “Especially with these big strong keepers like this, the follow-up shot should be a gimme and we’re not doing it like we should. I’ve been staying on them about that and it came to a head today.”

Brooker opened the scoring with 41:26 to go in the opening half when he connected on an unassisted effort.

Twenty minutes later, Pahlo Gasteratos tied the contest at 1-1 when he blew by a Tiger defender and scored on a long-distance shot from the left wing with 21:34 left before intermission.

Austin Brooks appeared to give Demopolis the lead back at the 18:26 mark before his goal was waived off by an offside penalty.

With 15:59 left in the half, Oscar Valdivia connected on a penalty kick to give Demopolis a 2-1 lead.

The Tigers poured it on early in the second half. Brooks scored an unassisted goal with 41:11 left in the game. Brooker added his second score of the night with 34:07 left.

Cristian Velez scored its first goal with 29:02 left in the contest before finding the net again with 25:57 to play.

The Tigers pulled most of the starters early in the second half, turning to the reserves to finish the contest.

“The second half they came out and did what they were supposed to do and they played hard. I was proud of them. Everybody got to get in,” Daniels said. “All the seniors played the whole game. Tommy Criswtell got in and had two big saves. I was proud of the way they played overall.”

The game marked the final regular season match of the year for Demopolis, which honored its seniors during halftime.

“They’re leaders. They are. I love the boys. They’ve really played hard this year and I’m proud of everything they’ve done. They’ve really put forth a lot of effort and I hope they continue to do so,” Daniels said.

Demopolis is set to travel to Parker next Wednesday for an area double-header that had been scheduled for Good Friday. If Demopolis wins one of those two games, it will host a first-round playoff match.

“We’re going to focus on being aggressive,” Daniels said of the adjustment his team must make as it readies for postseason play. “Our goal has been May 10 all year and that’s what we’re shooting for.”