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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

ALABASTER – The Thompson Warriors entered Tuesday, April 8 with just one blemish on their area record: a 2-0 defeat to the Prattville Lions on Friday, March 14.

The Warriors faced a stiff test from the No. 3 team in the Class 7A boys soccer coaches poll and No. 6 team in the MaxPreps national rankings, but they emerged victorious on their home pitch, taking a 2-0 victory of their own on April 8 at Warrior Stadium.

Thompson took the half-game lead in the area standings with a 4-1 record over Prattville’s 3-1 record. The two teams split the season series and are now tied at 2-2 in goal differential, meaning if both teams win out, it will come down to goal differential against all area opponents, which the Warriors lead plus-11 to plus-8 having played one more game than the Lions.

Both teams fought throughout the first half to try and score the opening goal, but they went to the half tied up at 0-0.

Thompson stepped out of the halftime huddle as the better side though and wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. After a throw-in from Yair Santana, Dylan Huerta flicked the ball over to Owen Arreola, who sent the ball to the back post for Brayden Herrera. He finished off the goal to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.

Shortly after that, Thompson got a chance to double up as it drew a penalty and stepped to the spot with a chance to score the second goal. Aram Arreola converted the spot kick to increase the lead to 2-0.

The Warriors continued to push the attack the rest of the way, but Prattville’s defense did not yield from the second goal on. However, Thompson’s defense proved to be just as strong as it saw out the shutout to secure the 2-0 victory.

The Warriors improved to 12-5-1 overall and 4-1 in area play. They will continue their homestand on Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. when they play host to the Spain Park Jaguars at Warrior Stadium.