Dragons Overpower Keller In Region I Quarters

By Alec Best

CISD Intern

JUSTIN -Despite only defeating Keller by one goal in two previous games this year, the Carroll Dragon got off to a quick and dominated the third meeting. The Dragons (24-0-3) used the first-half momentum to rout Keller 5-0 in a Class 5A Region I Quarterfinal at Northwest Stadium Tuesday night.

Two early goals by Hunter Horvath and leading scorer Mac McGuire set the pace. Moments later, Matt Leach nailed a free kick off the cross bar for a goal from 25 yards. Leach continued his stellar play when he nailed another shot in off the cross bar and Karl de Zoten added a goal on a header.

The No. 2 nationally-ranked Dragons led 5-0 at half. In the second half the Dragons offense slowed down and Tanner Brennan’s brilliant defensive play stopped Keller’s offense in its tracks. Carroll produced a shutout for the first time against Keller this season after posting two 2-1 victories.

Carroll advances to meet El Paso Coronado in a 5A Region I Semifinal Friday at 7 p.m. at Midland’s Grande Communications Stadium. If the Dragons win, they advance to meet the winner of Arlington Martin-Plano for the Region I championship for a berth in the state tournament.