Sweetwater drops District 3-A championship to CSLA

Sweetwater’s hope for a district championship in soccer came to an end Saturday in Chattanooga.

A valiant effort for the Wildcats ended in defeat, losing 2-0 to host and top-seed CSLA in the District 3-A championship.

“They were very excited about playing a championship game. Everyone felt very well before the game,” Sweetwater coach Ricardo Torres said. “Last night’s game was a reflection of the season that we have had. We possess the ball more than the other team did. It was the finishing and capitalizing opportunities were not there.

“They scored two goals on us — distractions were an issue in the game.”

CSLA slipped two early goals past Sweetwater, scoring around the 10-minute mark and then finding the second near the midpoint of the first half.

A free kick caught the Wildcats (10-6-2) off guard in the net to open the scoring before Sweetwater failed to pressure the oncoming attacker on the second goal.

“The kids played 100% of the field and fought til the end. It was a very sour feeling for everybody because of how they tried,” Torres added. “CSLA moved the ball very well. They are very solid and their touches are good. I can tell those kids play all year round and play competitive because their skills are good.”

Sweetwater possessed the ball well and created two clear-cut chances, but could not cash in on them, A missed penalty attempt added to the run of things.

The Wildcats have struggled to finish off opportunities throughout the season after senior striker Brennan Teutimez — who set a record for goals in a single season last year — was injured.

“We created chances, but we just are not finishing. That was our issue all season,” Torres said. “The lack of putting the ball in the net is what really got us.”

Sweetwater will travel to the District 4-A champions in next week’s Region 2-A semifinal — a must-win for both teams.

“As coaches, all we ask of you is to try hard and try your best. Just keep trying and hoping we can finish the chances we create,” Torres said. “That is all we can do. Don’t give up.”

The Advocate & Democrat is waiting for confirmation on who wins District 4-A. CSLA will host the District 4-A runner-up.