FROM STAFF REPORTS

The sixth-ranked Chelsea High School boys’ soccer team defeated section rival Talladega 3-0 in high school soccer action April 5.

Chelsea improved its section record to 1-1 and its overall record to 9-4-2 with the win.

Both teams had to endure a long lightning delay as a storm cell roared through about eight minutes into the game. After the officials gave the “all clear” to continue, Chelsea took charge quickly.

Sophomore Will Bevill received a pass from Eric King in the left side of the Talladega box, and Bevill cut inside to his right and buried a hard shot to the bottom left netting of the goal. Chelsea led 1-0.
A few minutes later, Bevill had another chance at the top of the box, but he pushed the shot just wide right of goal.

On the other end, Talladega strikers Jack Bailey and JQ McKinney, showed flashes of dangerous speed and skill, but the Chelsea backline was solid as it squashed every dangerous attempt. Central defenders Jacob Brooks and Robby Haskins seemed to be in the right place at the right time all night as the Hornets racked up their second straight shutout.

In the second half, with about 20 minutes left, Chelsea notched an insurance goal when Cody Hood played a corner kick across the Talladega goal mouth, and Chelsea midfielder Tony Thompson stuck a sharp header into the left upper 90. Chelsea led 2-0.

A few minutes later, Hood gathered the ball just outside the box to the right side of the goal and struck a driving shot on the ground that appeared to be headed for the lower left netting. However, a Talladega defender deflected it away from goal right toward an on-coming Eric King who volleyed the ball into the left upper 90 to give Chelsea the 3-0 win.