Chelsea tops Talladega in soccer match to clinch playoff berth

Published 9:42 am Thursday, April 21, 2011

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Chelsea High School boys’ soccer team clinched its place in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A playoffs by defeating Class 5A, Section 3 rival Talladega 6-0 in a section match April 20.

The Hornets scored early when Ashley Page beat several Talladega defenders and fought his way to a scrappy unassisted goal.

Minutes later, Austin Rikard flicked a header onto the feet of Page, who took a hard shot at goal that was batted down by Talladega’s keeper. However, Page followed up and got an easy put-back goal.

About midway through the half, a Talladega defender was ejected for unsporting behavior, leaving the Tigers down a man, and Chelsea was able to turn up the pressure even more.

Page finished the game with three goals. Dakota Dresbach had a goal and two assists, while Will Bevill and Travis Mitchell added a goal each.

The Hornets will play at Sylacuaga Thursday night for the Class 5A, Section 3 championship.