By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

LAGRANGE – The Troup Tigers want to still be playing soccer when the regular season ends, and they took a big step toward making that a reality by beating visiting Chapel Hill 4-2 on Tuesday night.

The Tigers (6-3 overall) improved to 2-1 in Region 5-AAAA, and they’re in solid position to compete for one of the region’s four spots in the state tournament.

“That’s our biggest goal right now,” Troup coach Micah Alba said. “So this one was huge.”

Chapel Hill scored first to take a 1-0 lead, but Troup rallied to take a 2-1 lead at the half.

The Tigers continued the momentum into the second half and went up 4-1, and they held on from there to get the critical region win on a frigid night at Callaway Stadium.

Alan Vazquez, one of Troup’s senior leaders, scored two goals, and Carson Wreyford and Anders Laurents each had one goal.

After Chapel Hill took the lead, Wreyford tied it with his goal, and Laurens gave Troup a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

Vaquez then scored his two goals in the second half and Troup had a three-goal lead.

Troup’s two region wins are against Sandy Creek and Chapel Hill, and it lost to Cartersville.

“The guys are working hard,” Alba said. “They’re responding to everything we’re asking them to do. And they’re playing good right now.”

In the girls’ game, Troup was unable to keep pace with a strong Chapel Hill squad on the way to a 13-0 loss.

Troup’s teams will be on the road against Sandy Creek on Friday.

OF NOTE: For photos from Tuesday’s games, check out Facebook.com/LDNSports