Wildcat Storybook Soccer Season
Ends In Literal 3-2 "Freeze-Out"
In Greenville, Friday Night

by: Bobby McDonald

The strong, bitter, cold winds that were blowing across Cotton Ford Stadium in Greenville, on Friday night, were only matched by the strong disappointment in the hearts of the 2006 Wildcat Soccer Team and their many fans, that braved the inclement weather, only to see rival Mt. Pleasant "squeeze-out" a win and advance to the State Tournament in Round Rock, next Friday. The Cats ended the season that saw the team advance the fartherest of any soccer team in school history, with a 3-2 loss, and a 25-4-1 season, as the gusting winds made playing conditions anything but ideal.

These Sulphur Springs Soccer Fans lined-up in a cold, gusting wind to purchase tickets to
Friday night's Regional Play-off Game in Greenville's Ford Stadium.

The Cats found themselves down 2-0 early in the first period of the game. But, a goal by Cole Lancaster put the cats back in the game, before the half. Then, during the second half, Spenser Daniel made the game tying goal to send the almost frozen fans into a cheering frenzy. However, despite some outstanding plays, the Cats were unable to capitalize on their goals. Mt. Pleasant fielded a goal with approximately 15 minutes left on the clock and that proved to be enough to defeat the Cats, in their outstanding season.

"Certainly it hurts to lose, when you've had such an outstanding season," affirmed Soccer Coach Andy Holt. "But, I couldn't be prouder of the way this group of young men have played and they have truly made school history. When have you ever seen this many fans come out on a very cold night, just to cheer a Sulphur Springs Team to victory?"

"They're disappointed and I'm disappointed that things didn't work out in our favor," stated Holt. "But, when the initial heartbreak is over, we can all look at the many, many accomplishments this team has made and can only look to the inspiration that they have inspired in the younger athletes that are coming up in Sulphur Springs Soccer. The future looks bright and these guys will be the 'fire' that ignites the continued success of the soccer program at SSHS. It's great to be a part of this history making season!"

Cole Lancaster making the first score for the Cats, against Mt. Pleasant.

Lancaster is fouled in this attempt.


Sulphur Springs fans braved the cold to support the Wildcat team, as the reached for blankets and quilts.

Rolando Larios goes for the ball in Friday night's action.

Senior Blake Holly "gives it his all" in his last game as a Wildcat Soccer player.

Teammates hug Spenser Daniel as he makes the second Wildcat goal and ties the game, during the
second half of play.

Wally the Wildcat and the cheerleaders were all smiles.......

As were the devoted fans!

Senior Chris Rogers continued the battle for victory.

 

Junior Graham Northcutt played an outstanding game on Friday night and will be returning as
a senior, to help lead the 2007 Team to victory.

Senior Spencer Daniels kicks the ball into play.

And, the emotional "roller-coaster" of a soccer coach.............

Congratulations
To
Coach Andy Holt &
The 2006 Wildcat Soccer Team
On A History Making Season!

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