Christian Brothers soccer returns to state tournament for ninth straight season
Christian Brothers boys soccer won in dramatic fashion, defeating Ensworth 3-2 at Tom Nix Stadium on Friday night to reach its ninth straight state tournament.
The Purple Wave (11-4-1) scored two goals two minutes apart late in the second half to advance.
“We expect to go to state every year,” midfielder Matty Wackerfuss said after the game. “... Every year we expect it and we go and get it done. We’re always going to be in Murfreesboro. You’re never not going to see us in Murfreesboro.”
Even a year after losing 10 seniors, the Purple Wave reloaded behind Wackerfuss and midfielder Patrick Murphy to dominate the TSSAA soccer postseason.
"We go how they go,” Glaser said of Wackerfuss and Murphy. “They’re the alphas of this team.”
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Wackerfuss and Murphy scored for the Purple Wave in Friday’s win. Wackerfuss scored the first goal on a header inside the penalty box to tie at 1-1. Ensworth (6-2-4) scored nearly two minutes later to retake the lead.
Christian Brothers spent most of the game battling from behind. Despite its youth, the Purple Wave weren't fazed.
"Coach challenged the young guys earlier this season,” Wackerfuss said. “He said if we’re going to be good this season, y’all need to step up.”
Murphy scored the tying goal just before Jackson Buckalew scored the winning goal two minutes later. Murphy’s goal provided a spark for the Purple Wave, who were looking for momentum after missing a penalty shot.
"I love leading guys,” Wackerfuss said. “I love telling guys, ‘Hey, be here.’ Leading them and leading them to success. It’s the best feeling in the world and I think that’s my personality.
“I’m a leader.”
Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Christian Brothers soccer survives Ensworth, returns to state tournament for ninth-straight year
