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David Meacham -
Grayson Miller -
Tyner Ferguson
The ball curved rapidly to the left as it flew through the air, and the goalkeeper could do nothing more than watch it sail into the net.
Senior David Meacham’s spectacular goal was the highlight of the Deer Creek boys’ soccer team’s 4-1 playoff win against Southmoore in Deer Creek Tuesday night.
Deer Creek (13-2) took the lead early and never surrendered it.
Southmoore (9-6) got a late consolation goal, but the damage had been done.
Deer Creek coach Zach Stephens said he liked how his team adapted.
“I was really proud of them,” Stephens said. “We made our adjustments for the second half. First half was a little sketchy. They wanted to play run and gun, and we tried to play their same style. Second half, we made our adjustments, settled in and started playing our style, and I was really proud of them to be able to have the confidence to do that.”
Meacham scored the curved-shot goal with 9:46 to play in a game the Antlers had already put out of reach. It was Deer Creek’s fourth and his second of the night. He had previously attempted a bicycle kick in the box but couldn’t connect cleanly with the ball.
Stephens said Meacham plays with confidence.
“A lot of kids have the ability to do that,” Meacham said. “But to have the confidence in the run of play to try it, that’s what kind of separates David from most.”
Meacham and fellow senior Trindon Turner each scored twice. Freshman Eli Berry and sophomore Jackson Boreham each had an assist.
Southmoore’s lone goal came with 3:44 remaining when sophomore Paicer Zehr finished off a loose ball in the box.
Meacham said communication was key in the win.
“We moved the ball really well tonight,” Meacham said. “We broke the defense’s lines pretty well tonight. There was really nothing they could do. We’re just going to keep looking to the next game one at a time.”
Deer Creek senior goalkeeper Amador Soto saved two shots, both coming within four minutes of one another in the first half. Southmoore freshman goalkeeper Camden Hellams saved five shots.
Stephens said Soto did well.
“He communicated well,” Stephens said. “Got off his line when he needed to to help his back line. We put him under a little bit of pressure at the end. Gave up a goal, but we had some guys that were younger guys, trying to get them some experience. So, I don’t put it all on him.”
Deer Creek will host Northwest Classen in the second round.