Wylie boys soccer scores late to draw against Odessa Permian

R.J. Gregg scored with under nine minutes left to draw the Wylie high school boys soccer team level with Odessa Permian on Tuesday night for a 1-1 draw at Bulldog Stadium.

Photo Gallery:Wylie boys soccer against Odessa Permian

The Bulldogs (6-2-1) gave up an early goal and played from behind almost the whole game. Defensive work helped keep it just a 1-0 game, but the offense wasn't able to get anything going. Goalkeeper Cameron Dawsey made some saves and the defensive back line did its job.

“Cameron does a great job,” Wylie coach Chris Kincaid said. “Obviously, he’s the senior leader back there. Riley (Garrison’s) played there a couple years, but Brazos (Ham), this is his first year starting, Drew (Kerestly) was on varsity last year as a freshman, but didn’t play defender. Those three guys have done a great job, they just fight. They’re not going to give up an easy chance … that’s what it’s going to take, it’s got to be a great shot to score on our defenders and Cameron.”

Finally, Wylie made a push and Gregg did not miss on his chance. Not long after the tying goal, Gregg had another chance, but was denied as the game ended in a tie.

“Permian’s really good,” Kincaid said. “They pass the ball really well and they attacked extremely well. I was pleased with our finish. We fought to the end. We had the chance R.J. finished and then we had another one right there, dang near déjà vu. I was pleased with our fight.”

The Bulldogs remain at home on Friday to host Midland High at 7 p.m. Wylie is still trying to get some things sorted out on the field, but are off to a good start with a chance to keep it going later in the week.

“We predominantly are slow starters to the season,” Kincaid said. “So, it takes us a while to get our soccer down. We’re going to be physical, we’re going to be athletic with everybody, we just have to work harder on that touch, being able to communicate and being on the same page.

“Our soccer skills are not where we want them. Playing and fighting until the very end, that’s never really been an issue with us. Results, I was pleased with how we played in the (Palestine) tournament. A lot of guys played, a lot of guys did some things, we left it up to the referee. We left it up to someone else’s decision and that’s what we’ve got to get better at and we will.”