JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Goals from Patrick Bourne (2022) and Reece Degen (2020) were not enough to overcome a controversial late penalty awarded to Chattahoochee as Cambridge dropped a 3-2 decision in Region 7-AAAAAA play at Chattahoochee Stadium on Tuesday, March 2nd.

The opportunities came fast and furious in a high-quality matchup of the two most acclaimed soccer programs in Region 7-AAAAAA. Cambridge's best initial chance came courtesy of Degen's effort in the 7^th minute that just sailed high, which was immediately followed by a Carter Johnson (2021) shot after some good buildup through the midfield courtesy of Jeffrey Rael (2021).  The Cougars responded with a wide shot off a corner kick in the 10^th minute before a mishit cross attempt from 25 yards resulted in the opening goal through some sort of dark arts wizardry that fooled the Cambridge keeper.

The Bears immediately responded with two more Degen shots, including a 16^th-minute header that was inches away from tying the match after a good setup from Brett Highlander (2021). The tying goal came moments later as Bourne smashed home a shot from inside the box courtesy of a corner kick delivery from Erik Holmen (2021). The Cougars responded with pressure in the final 10 minutes of the half but were unable to retake the lead due to some good defensive work by super frosh Noah Guertin (2023) and a couple of quality saves from Torren Celio (2020).

The back and forth action continued from the opening whistle in the 2^nd half with Chattahoochee retaking the lead in the 43^rd minute off a turnover in the defensive end. Cambridge once again responded with multiple chances from Lucas Pegorer (2020) in the 49^th minute and Luke Isler's (2020) free kick in the 53^rd minute that forced a diving save from the Cougars keeper. Cambridge finally tied the score in the 69^th minute after a Celio save led to a quick distribution to Guertin who sent a long clearance down the left flank. Johnson then picked the pocket of a Chattahoochee defender and sped into the box before laying off a perfect pass to Degen who slotted it in from 15 yards.

The celebration was short-lived however as less than a minute later a disputed penalty kick was awarded to Chattahoochee after a 5-minute conference between the head referee and linesman. Celio guessed correctly, diving to his right, but he was unable to parry it away from goal.

The Bears are back in action at home against Alpharetta on Friday, March 6th at 8:00PM. This game will also be Youth Soccer night and we encourage all kids from the local club teams to come out and support the Bears! Concessions, spirit wear, goodie bags, and interactive sponsor displays will be available. Kids who would like to participate in the pre-game player escort procession should meet in the grassy area behind the ticket booth at 7:15pm. Kids who would like to participate in the half-time penalty kick shoot-out should meet by the bottom left corner of the stands towards the end of the first half (an announcement will be made).

Go Bears!