Marshall County played McCracken County on Monday in Paducah in the opening round of the Region 1 boys soccer tournament. The Marshals last Region 1 tournament win over the Mustangs came in 2019, winning 1-0 in the championship game. The four-year region tournament win drought against the Mustangs ended for the Marshals with Monday’s 3-1 victory.
Since that 2019 season, Marshall County has lost in the Region 1 championship game to McCracken County four straight years. The Mustangs won 2-1 in the 2020 season, won 2-1 in PK’s in 2021, took the title 2-0 in 2022 and in 2023 won 1-0 again in a game decided in PK’s.
For the first time since the 2018 season, the Region 1 title game will not be decided between Marshall County and McCracken County.
In Monday’s quarterfinal, Lincoln Colburn slipped one past the McCracken County goalkeeper from way out to put the Marshals on the board 1-0. With 7:21 left until halftime, Julian Warfield scored the equalizer for the Mustangs and tied it up 1-1.
Marshall County’s two second half goals were scored by Houston Johnson. The second of Johnson’s goals that put the Marshals up 3-1 came with just under six minutes remaining to seal the win. Ethan Upton had the assist on Johnson’s second goal.
Carson Lovett had three great saves for the Marshals.
Marshall County will advance to Tuesday’s semifinal against Calloway County. The Lakers beat Graves County 7-0. Game time is 5:30 at Calloway County. The second semifinal will be between Paducah Tilghman and Murray. Paducah Tilghman beat Mayfield 2-1 and Murray beat St. Mary 8-0 in Monday’s quarterfinals.
