The Tiger soccer team traveled to Cross Keys High School last Friday for a showdown with #10-ranked Cross Keys. Dawson lost the contest 3-0 but showed signs of improvement throughout the game.

“Best team I have ever seen in 17 years. They have all 11 starters back from last year and they are talented and skilled,” said Tiger Head Coach Jed Lacey.

Dawson was down 1-0 at the half and seemed to be playing well. The speed of Cross Keys was evident in the second half. The host team added two more goals to make the final 3-0.

“We learned we can play with them, but we have things we have to improve on,” Lacey said.       

In preparation for region play later in the season, Lacey tried different players in the game. He used both goalies in Sam Edwards and freshman Brooks Fulford.

“Sam Edwards is an extremely talented goal keep and he did another fine job stopping Cross Keys shots for the most part. Sam is just so quick. If you score on him, you deserved it. Brooks Fulford got to play and showed how bright the future is at keep for years to come,” Lacey said.

“We will be fine from this loss. If we come away with more knowledge and it makes us a better team, then this was a great opportunity and worth every minute coming down here to Atlanta,” Lacey added.

“We got our eyes opened tonight. Yes, we are a good team, but we found out we got some work to do. The boys played hard tonight and gave everything they had. I am proud of the effort they gave tonight. This is the reason we are playing the schedule we are, to get better and get ready to make a run at state. We saw a different style of soccer tonight. Most teams in the mountains do not experience (this style) unless they make the playoffs and get to see these teams,” Lacey said.

The Tigers are currently 2-2 on the season.

The Tigers will host a strong Stephens County team at 7:30 p.m. Friday.