MILTON, Ga. – After being on the back foot for most of the first half, the Bears roared back to secure a 1-1 draw on the strength of Reece Degen's (2020) second half strike in a spirited matchup against West Forsyth at a frigid CHS Stadium on Thursday, February 13th.
Like the Forsyth County high school naming committee, the Cambridge attack lacked creativity in the first half. The result was the Bears were under a constant stream of pressure from the Wolverines in the first 30 minutes. Christian Lopez (2021) was called upon to make multiple saves in the early going including a diving effort in the 4th minute. Freshman sensation Colin Clark (2023) provided some great support with a goalmouth clearance in the 7th minute, and some excellent 1v1 defense in the 17th minute. Still, West Forsyth was able to find the opening goal via a corner kick header into the top left corner which sent their travelling fan base into a cowbell ringing frenzy. The Bears were able to hold the Wolverines at bay for the remainder of the half through another strong save by Lopez in the 38th minute.
Following its traditional script to start the season, Cambridge came out much stronger in the 2nd half with a noticeable intent to match the physicality of the rough and tumble West Forsyth team. The approach immediately produced a steady stream of offensive pressure as the Bears took control of the action. Erik Holmen (2021) got the attack started with a shot in the 48th minute followed almost immediately by Degen's effort a few moments later. Lucas Pegorer (2020) took his turn in the 51st minute with a long-range strike that was knocked away for a corner resulting in a Carter Johnson (2021) header that was well-saved by the Wolverines keeper. It was only a matter of time before the Bears broke through, and it finally came with another bit of excellent work by Degen.
The action started with Brett Highlander's (2021) long pass to Degen down the right flank, who then dismissed two West Forsyth defenders and dribbled across the top of the box before unleashing a cracking left footed shot to tie the score at 1. The goal brought the Cambridge crowd to its frozen feet, and the rest of the game was played at a fever pitch, with neither side able to get the go-ahead goal. Lopez again showed his mettle with a great save in the 77th minute to preserve the tie. Things nearly got out of hand in the late going after a dangerous and unnecessary foul by West Forsyth brought out a yellow card, but Highlander was able to step in and settle things down so there were no more shenanigans.
The Bears begin a 3-game road trip with their annual Battle of Milton match-up against their crosstown rivals Milton HS on Tuesday, February 18th at 7:55PM.
Go Bears!