FORT GIBSON – Fort Gibson scored early and took control of a physical contest with Bethany, beating the Bronchos 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A Soccer State Tournament Friday (May 3).

Tiger senior forward Simeon Adair scored just 40 seconds in.

“That kind of set the tone for the first 20 minutes,” Bethany coach Sean Williams said. “I thought we started to play ourselves into the game. I mean, we really are on our heels the first 15-20 minutes and really disappointed about.”

Meanwhile the Bronchos (9-8) struggled to get scoring opportunities.

“That’s really playoff soccer,” Williams said. “Your windows to score are few and far between and they buried their first opportunity. “

Fort Gibson (9-8) cashed in on two more opportunities late in the first half. Physical play between the two teams turned into a “tripping” penalty kick for Fort Gibson. Adair punched it in to make it 2-0.

Soon after, a ball bounced up and hit the hand of a Bethany midfielder. It was inadvertent but it resulted in another penalty kick was awarded. Adair scored for the final time to make it 3-0.

“The two PKs were pretty damaging,” Williams said. “As far as the hole that we were in. We just really survived the rest of the half to get to halftime.”

Trailing by three goals, Williams said his team had to get more aggressive scheme-wise.

The change led to more corner kicks. At one point, the Bronchos had four corner kicks in-a-row. The closest scoring chance went off the fingertips of Fort Gibson senior goalkeeper Atlas Potter and over the crossbar.

Williams praised sophomore Denton Jaggers for his physical play. He also noted Weston Hafer. While small and stature, Williams said Hafer was “super impressive with his mentality and effort.”

Fort Gibson outshot Bethany 7-4 in the contest.

With the win, the Tigers avenged a 1-0 loss to the Bronchos on March 26.

TEAM	1	2	F
Bethany	0	0	0
Fort Gibson	3	0	3