Titans open playoffs with 4-1 win over Saltillo

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The Titans hosted Saltillo in a first round matchup. The Titans were coming off a two game sweep of district rival Callaway.

The first Titan goal came off the foot of sophomore Somto Ngwudike. He made a run that was rewarded by senior midfielder Caylon McCulloch. Somto beat the keeper to his back post in the 23rd minute.

Junior forward Deonte Buckner stole a pass, drove through the heart of the defense and played a ball across his body that sailed into the net in the 29th minute.

In the 36th minute, senior fullback Matthew Horton played a ball wide to McCulloch. He played a long pass to a cutting Martin Cobb. The senior forward nailed the back post shot for a 3-0 lead.

Just three minutes later, junior forward Tre’ Taliaferro put the game out of reach. Senior midfielder Wayne Simeon laid off a crossing pass to 8th grade forward Mohammed Ibrahim. He in turn found Taliaferro. His blast deflected neatly off a Saltillo fullback and into the goal.

Senior keepers Alexis Gaytan and Jesus Renk combined for the win. The only goal allowed came off a penalty kick with 5 minute remaining.

The Titans will travel for the second round. The next match is Saturday at Hernando at noon.