Peter Ayo receives congratulations from Knoxville Catholic teammate Spencer Belanger (10) after scoring a goal against Gibbs in the TSSAA Region 2-AA soccer tournament at Ernest Whited Stadium in Corryton, Tennessee, on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. (Photo by Danny Parker)
BY DAN FLESER
Even as late afternoon became early evening, the sun still was shining on Gibbs’ field, illuminating the bright side of the prevailing circumstances for Catholic High’s soccer team.
The Irish were there by virtue of a loss to South-Doyle last week in the District 4-AA tournament championship. The resulting motivation informed most every move of their 4-0 victory over Gibbs in a Region 2-AA semifinal match on Tuesday.
“Quite honestly, I think if we were going to lose a game, it’s the best game we could’ve lost,” Catholic coach Gordon Heins said. “It put the passion, drive and desire back into the team.”
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