Defending regional champion Prestonsburg jumped out to an early lead on Paintsville and cruised a 13-0, mercy-rule win in the 57th District tournament semifinal matchup played at StoneCrest Soccer Complex on Monday night.
Preston Crase knocked home four goals and assisted on one other as the Blackcats improved to 12-1.
Dylan Moore followed with three goals and three assists while Matt Burchett added one goal and four assists.
Grant Justice scored once and assisted on two others while Ryan Rankin had one goal and one assist. Blake Fitzpatrick, Will Nairn and Bryan Amador each scored one goal.
Goalkeeper Jacob Martin record his third straight shutout and eighth this season.
Paintsville season ends at 1-7.
Martin County….2
Johnson Central…1
Martin County punched its ticket to the 57th District tournament championship match with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Johnson Central in the semifinals played at StoneCrest Soccer Complex on Monday night.
The Cardinals, now 4-4-1, will face Prestonsburg in Thursday night’s championship match.
Isaiah Zuidema scored both goals and Bobby Hale added an assist.
Goalkeeper Ethan Frey was solid, allowing just one goal, which was scored by Johnson Central’s Sawyer Crum. Frey had nine saves.
Johnson Central’s season ends at 6-4-1.
Belfry…………9
Pikeville………3
Belfry took charge of its match with Pikeville and went on to score a 9-3 victory in the 58th District tournament semifinals played at Bob Amos Soccer Complex on Monday night.
The Pirates, now 4-5-2, will face Lawrence County (7-4) in the finals on Thursday night.
Ben McNamee scored a hat trick and assisted on two other goals while Aidan McCoy and Tyler Slone added two goals apiece. Jasper McCoy and Logan Maynard each had one assist.
Aaron Change had two goals for the Panthers and Trey Hancock knocked home one. All three were unassisted.
Pikeville’s season ends at 0-7.