PRESTONSBURG – The Johnson Central Golden Eagles and Prestonsburg Blackcats advanced to the 15th Region boys’ soccer championship match Wednesday night with victories at Josh Francis Memorial Field Monday night.
The Golden Eagles defeated Belfry, 3-1, while the Blackcats turned back Lawrence County, 4-1.
Johnson Central’s Nathaniel Narendrakumar scored a pair of unassisted goals in the second half to snap at 1-1 tie. Jake Headley added a first-half goal as JC improved to 11-7-1.
Belfry’s lone goal came from Cristian Long, his 28th this season, tying the all-time school record set by Wilson Harris in 2016.
The Golden Eagles took 22 shots on goal while the Pirates (8-7-2) managed just nine. Belfry goalkeeper Caleb Spears had 15 saves. JC’s Travis Caudill had six.
Grant Justice scored a pair of goals in the Blackcats win. Matt Burchett added one goal and two assists while Isaiah Collins added one goal.
In 14th Region girls’ action Monday night, Estill County beat Letcher Central, 1-0, in a shootout in a match played at Perry County Central.
LCC goalkeeper Kassandra Ramirez was outstanding, not allowing a goal in regulation. The Lady Cougars finished 8-7-2.
Action in the 15th Region girls’ tournament begins tonight at Bob Amos Soccer Complex in Pikeville as Lawrence County faces Johnson Central at 6 p.m., followed by Prestonsburg and Belfry at approximately 8 p.m.
The championship match is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.