Marshall County and McCracken County last played in the 2019 First Region title game, the Marshals winning that one 2-0 and earning their first region championship in five years. Saturday’s scoreless contest proved the two teams could be the last two standing once again when post-season play rolls around.
The Marshals had the slight edge on shots in the game (14-12) and both keepers, Ben Burkeen for the Marshals and Gavin O’Donley for the Mustangs, did their jobs well.
Picking up their attack in the second half, both teams had chances, including on a shot on goal that just missed to the left by Kiefer Court for the Marshals and the Mustangs on a free kick from 20 yards out that was punched out by Burkeen. Jaxon Miller had a look for the Mustangs that went wide right before time expired.
It was the Marshals first tie of 2020 and they are 9-1-1 with their final regular season game coming up on Tuesday at University Heights. It was the Mustangs third tie and they are 7-1-3 heading into the final week of the regular season with three games to play.
Head Coach Bryan Blevins said in post-game comments, “It was a pretty solid effort.” Blevins thought they played more calm and composed than in past games against McCracken County.
