AHSAA SOCCER: MA boys advance to title game in shootout win

MA’s Brewer Welch battles with Fairhope defenders Jo-Jo Jones (4) and Cole Gann (11) during Thursday’s Class 6A semifinal match at the John Hunt Soccer Park in Huntsville. (Photo courtesy AHSAA/David Holstford)

By GRAHAM DUNN

HUNTSVILLE - Montgomery Academy needed overtime to advance to the boys Class 6A state soccer finals, defeating Fairhope in a shootout.
The match was tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation with Fairhope taking a 1-0 lead in the opening period on a corner kick for a team goal at 11:22.
Montgomery Academy (18-5-2) tied the match before halftime with Cade Segars scoring on an assist from Hampton Welch.
The Eagles took a 2-1 lead in the second half on a kick from Jacob Stubblefield. Fairhope’s Patrick Burns tied the match at 2-2 at 68:13 with an assist from teammate Webb Bennett.
The match went to extra periods that were scoreless.
The two teams made four-of-five goals in the first shootout. In the second shootout, Hayes Lachney of Montgomery Academy and Grant Thompson of Fairhope made their goals. Welch then made his goal, and Fairhope’s shot failed, giving the Eagles the victory and championship match berth opposite Oak Mountain.
MA will face Oak Mountain in the finals on Saturday at 9 a.m.