It’s all about redemption.
Franklin’s soccer team is focusing on that word, whether it’s playing an opponent who beat earlier this season or last year.
East Henderson beat the Panthers by three goals in both meetings last year, and many of the players remember the feeling of getting beat 3-0 on their home field.
They got redemption against the Eagles with a 2-1 win Thursday night at Macon Middle School.
“They’re taking advantage of that, they really are,” coach Matt Kolodzik said. “It’s a great dynamic with the team right now. They seem to be on the same page and all get along well. As a coach that’s how you want to be going into conference, to be in this position and clicking on all cylinders.”
Alan Perez and Enrique Argueta scored goals in helping lift FHS (9-6, 3-1 Mountain Six Conference) to the victory.
The Panthers were tied for second place in the MSC coming into this week. Smoky Mountain came in with a 4-0 MSC record and atop the standings. The two rivals were slated to play Monday night in Sylva.
Cris Chavez faced added defensive pressure against East Henderson – and for good reason. The senior scored six goals the previous night in an 8-0 win at Pisgah. The six goals again tied the school record he set earlier this year at Highlands, and matches Diego Hernandez and Kurt Lehnert (who did it at least four times).
Chavez managed to take seven shots (five on goal) against the Eagles. One of them got deflected and Perez pounced to give FHS a 1-0 lead in the first half.
Kolodzik awarded Perez player of the game honors for his impact despite not playing a ton of minutes. The junior came into the game less than a minute before scoring the goal.
“Talk about having an impact off the bench,” Kolodzik said.
It was a prime example of players being ready for when Chavez draws so much of the defense’s attention. Chavez has scored 31 goals and teams are taking notice.
“Scoring as much as he has, teams have picked up that he’s a goal scorer,” Kolodzik said. “Quite a few times against East he was double-teamed. Teams are really concentrating on him. I hope when that happens other guys step up and put the ball in, and good things will happen.”
Argueta is second on the team in scoring, and he provided the second-half goal to give FHS a 2-0 lead. The senior’s 14th goal of the season came on a free kick.
“It was a beautiful shot right above the keeper,” Kolodizk said. “He put it in the right place.”
Another player FHS had counted on to provide some scoring, Juan Gomez, will miss the rest of the season. The senior scored four goals before opting to have surgery on his meniscus.
The surgeon said it was one of the worst meniscus injuries she had seen in five years, Kolodzik said.
“He was cleared to play,” Kolodzik said, “but I think the pain just caught up to him.”
On the other side of the ball, goalkeeper Isaac Jennings stopped 15 of 16 shots on goal by the Eagles. It was the second-most saves the sophomore has made this year.
Jennings’ play in the net has improved as he’s gained experience and confidence.
“He’s really starting to step up. He’s been scored on and learned from it, and has been able to fix a lot of what’s happened,” Kolodzik said.
“We’re fortunate to have two good keepers. Joseph (Vernelson) has done a really good job. With Isaac stepping up to the plate and showing he can be that leader back there, it’s exciting.”
Another chance at redemption lies ahead on Wednesday night when Hendersonville comes to town. The Bearcats beat the Panthers 4-0 a couple weeks ago, scoring all four goals in the second half.
The Panthers enter the game sporting a 6-1 home record.
“We want to take care of home field,” Kolodzik said. “It’s an opportunity for us to get some redemption and also show where we’re at as a team.”