The Eastside boys’ soccer team scored 12 goals in its previous four games — all wins — but couldn’t find the back of the net when it needed to Friday.

Stephens County defeated the Eagles at Sharp Stadium 2-0, solidifying Region 8-AAAA’s fourth spot and eliminating Eastside from the state playoffs.

Both teams played a great defensive battle in the first half to a 0-0 tie at halftime.

In the second half, the Indians struck at the 21:37 mark, scoring the first goal of the match. The Eagles were in scoring position throughout the second half, but the Stephens County goalkeeper kept them from getting on the board.

The closest opportunity came for the Eagles at 1:31 mark but Stephens County was there to make the stop.

Stephens County scored its second and final goal with 1:07 to play.

The Eagles fell to 6-6-1 in their region before playing Newton Saturday.

Lady Eagles fall

For the first time in five years, the Eastside girls’ soccer team will miss the state playoff, making Friday night the last time the senior Lady Eagles would take the field at Sharp Stadium.

Stephens County, the visitors on senior night 2013, spoiled the fun beating Eastside 2-1.

“We came out and played hard for 80 minutes,” said Eastside girls’ coach Joel Singleton. “But we were just outplayed today.”

It was a big defensive battle in the first half for both teams, but Eastside struck first. Kari Dylong scored for Eastside, and with 6:12 left in the first half goalkeeper Carly Farrow came up with a key save.

However, a little over a minute later, Stephens County tied it at 1-all on a goal by Mikayla Bently.

The Lady Indians then scored with 1:07 to play in the first half, and held on in the final 40 minutes for the win, improving Stephens County to 5-0 in Region 8-AAAA.

“Obviously, we wanted to win but the girls played real hard and real consistent,” Singleton said.
It was the final region game for the Eagles, which finished the league slate 1-7.