GARDENDALE — It was the first ever meeting between neighboring Gardendale and Fultondale on the soccer pitch Monday night. And for the first 15 minutes, the Wildcats had the much-larger Rockets back on their heels with an aggressive attack.
But eventually Gardendale's size and experience won out, as they found the net later in the first half and midway through the second to secure a 3-0 victory at home.
It's the first win for new Rockets coach John McIntosh, after a pair of losses in last week's Lakeshore Shootout tournament.
Gardendale got first-half goals from Jordan Dill and Grant Yaeger. They closed out the scoring on a goal by Hunter Chapman in the 58th minute, as he took advantage of a misplayed ball by the Wildcat keeper and dribbled the ball over the line.
For Fultondale coach Chris Campbell, it was a frustrating loss, especially with the aggressive attack early.
"In that first 15 minutes, Gardendale could barely handle us, then we got a little comfy," Campbell said. "When they play the way I want them to play they're unstoppable. When they don;t, anyone can beat us."
Chris Brown had 10 saves in goal for the Rockets (1-2-0), who host Pinson Valley on Thursday.
Fultondale (0-1-0) plays at Clay-Chalkville on Wednesday.
[Edited at 11:55 a.m. Thurday to correct Rockets coach's name.]
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