The comeback kids remain undefeated in district play. The Woodford County High School boys’ soccer team scored three unanswered goals in the second half to earn a 4-1 road victory over Shelby County Aug. 27 in Shelbyville.
The win was Woodford’s second district victory in a week, which helps the Yellow Jackets’ position in a race that a single goal could eventually determine.
The Jackets had to play from behind after Shelby County struck first. Isaac Mezin scored the game’s opening goal to give the Rockets an early 1-0 lead.
Woodford continued pressing forward and finally found its answer with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Jeronimo Pardo scored the equalizer to pull the Jackets even at 1-1.
“It was just a great feeling,” Pardo said. “I felt like the dopamine kicked in, and it was this amazing feeling, honestly. I finally stepped up, and it was just a great moment. I loved it.”
The Jackets nearly took the lead before halftime when Angel Aguilar fired a rocket toward the Shelby County goal. The shot beat the goalkeeper but struck the post, keeping the game tied.
Despite failing to capitalize on several opportunities, Woodford coach Fonyam Atanga believed his team had played well during the opening 40 minutes. His halftime message was to remain patient and continue looking for openings in Shelby County’s defense.
“It just took us a while to get into the game,” Atanga said. “What I noticed in the first half was that we were actually playing well, just not creating enough chances. I encouraged them to keep playing well, be patient and find opportunities.”
The patience paid off early in the second half.
Hudson Deaton broke the tie following an indirect kick by Aguilar. The Shelby County goalkeeper deflected the initial attempt, but Deaton was in position to clean up the rebound and put Woodford ahead 2-1.
Chili Seitz increased the lead moments later, finishing a well-placed through ball from Aguilar. The two quick goals allowed Woodford to settle into the game and play with more confidence.
“It was a lot of shifting momentum,” Seitz said. “We had a lot of aggression in that second half. We wanted it more, and after the first few goals, you kind of settle in and it gets a little bit easier. You have to break the seal, and then things start happening.”
Aguilar, who helped create each of Woodford’s first two second-half goals, scored the game’s final goal to complete the 4-1 victory.
Pardo said the Jackets returned to the field with more energy and determination after halftime.
“I think we did so much better,” Pardo said. “Everyone was ready, and everyone was ready to keep playing and not walk. I feel like it was so much better than the first half.”
Atanga said Woodford began to create more space as the game progressed and eventually found its rhythm after a stretch when things were not clicking.
“We just went through a spell in the first half where things weren’t working, and it happens,” Atanga said. “From watching the first half, we just needed to get in gear.”
With district seeding potentially hinging on a narrow margin, Seitz said the Jackets understood the importance of securing another victory and of continuing to score after taking the lead.
“It’s really important because, in the end, it could be by a goal that we move on, or it could be by a goal that they move on,” Seitz said. “It’s really just up to us, so we have to score as many goals as possible.”