Jags wack Gophers, advance in playoffs

The Flower Mound boys soccer team traveled to Irving on Friday to take on the Grand Prairie Gophers in the area round of the high school playoffs.

The Jags, who dominated the first half of play, started the scoring early. Tyler McElwee lit the scoreboard for the Jags just four minutes into the match as he found himself with the ball behind the Gopher defense after a pass from John Satterla. McElwee buried the chance and put the Jags up 1-0.

Midway through the period, the Jags struck again as Kyle Mann beat the Gopher goalie to a ball at the top of the box sending a shot to the back of the Jag net.

Flower Mound’s first half domination continued later in the period when Taylor Smith found Casey Bumpass in front of the net. Casey beat the sprawling Gopher goalie on the short side putting the Jags up 3-0.

Late in the period, several contested calls went against the Jags, including a questionable foul in the box leading to a successful penalty kick for the Gophers. This represented the only real chance for the Gophers in the period, but left the Jags with a comfortable 3-1 lead at half.

Flower Mound came out relaxed in the second period, ready to continue their first half success and finish off the match. The Gophers, however, had other ideas.

After a Jag hand ball in the box led to another penalty kick and a Gopher attack beat the Jag defense for a goal, the boys in blue found themselves in a tie game fighting for their playoff life. Fortunately, the Jags were able to find some poise, regroup and get back to their game.

Midway through the period, the Jags began a stretch that resembled their play in the first half where they dominated the action. After several corner kicks and strong pressure, Cam Riley weaved his way through the Gopher defense to find Tyler McElwee who smartly juked a couple of defenders to free up space for a shot. The quick laser from McElwee earned Tyler his second goal of the night and a lead for his Jag team.
The Jags were able to continue to their offensive pressure and keep Grand Prairie’s offensive attacks at bay as the last ten minutes ran off of the clock, leaving the Jags with a 4-3 victory.

Flower Mound will take on familiar District 5 foe and bitter crosstown rival, Marcus, in the Regional Quarterfinals next week.

Source: www.fmjagssoccer.com