The Gilmer High School Bobcats soccer team played at Ridgeland High School Friday night in near freezing temperatures and won 4-1. It was a crucial victory, the first on the road and the first over a Region opponent. The Bobcats’ record now stands at 2-3 overall, and 1-2 in region. The Bobcats came out determined to play a strong passing game and to increase the number of shots on goal. The “Cats” succeeded early in getting several good shots on the goal, but nothing went in until about the 15 minute mark when freshman striker, Ervin Lopez, received a cross pass at the top of the goal box and deftly drove it in.

The team did not let up on its attack, but the score remained 1-0 at the half. Early in the second half it was Lopez again who dribbled around a Ridgeland defender to drill another shot into the goal from about 18 yards out.

The Bobcats also spread the attack to the outside as senior, Freddy Salgado, used his outstanding ball skills to move the ball toward the goal and to twice draw a penalty inside the box to be awarded penalty kicks. Salgado took the PKs himself and scored on both to increase the Bobcat’s lead to 4-0.

Late in the game the team conceded one goal to make the final 4-1 Bobcats. The team’s performance was the best so far in the early going of this season. The “Cats” look to make it two region wins in a row this Thursday at Heritage.