Conner 3 Ryle 1 (33rd District Final)

The Cougars are your 2024 33rd District Champs ending the 4 year run of Ryle.  Conner was locked in and controlled this game pretty much from start to finish.  The Cougars thought they had the first goal within the first 3 minutes of the match as Brayden Thronton throws the ball in from the sideline into the goal area and finds the toe of Clark Peterson, but the AR didn't run towards the center line, so the center ref talked it over and said no goal.  Conner comes back down a few minutes later, Grady Noble heads the ball towards the goal, it bounces off the crossbar down (somehow didn't cross the line) bounces out to find Kellen Faulkner who heads the ball in and as the Cougars celebrate, the center ref again calls the goal off calling Faulkner for pushing off...(weak).  Ryle would come down and draw a flopping foul just outside the box and they bury the direct free kick for a 1-0 lead.  Conner would answer off a direct kick of their own from about 35 yards off as Brayden Thornton connects with Grady Noble for the goal drawing the Cougars even 1-1.  Conner would again be on the attack and Noble would find himself with the ball, shoots from the right side and puts the Cougars up 2-1.  Conner now feeling the moment to step on the Raiders find Mason Ginn in the box who draws 2 defenders to him and is fouled in the box, PK called.  Brayden Thornton steps up and converts to put the Cougars up 3-1 which lead the Cougars take to the half.

The second half would see the Cougars settle in and play at their pace.  Ryle had a few chances but the Cougar defense who have only given up 1 goal in their last 5 games did what they needed to and secure the district title ending the 4 year run of the Raiders and their quest to win 5 in a row.  

Thonton, Wagner and Noble (33rd District MVP) were named to the tournament team.  Now Conner awaits the regional draw on Saturday to see who they get to play in Hebron next week.