Bulldogs soccer falls to Franklin on the road

FRANKLIN, NC – The Murphy Bulldogs soccer team lost a tough game on the road Thursday, Sept. 19, at Franklin.

The Bulldogs (1-2) surrendered nine goals on the night while being shut out, but head coach Justin Butler said there were many positive to take away from the game.

Murphy took 13 players in to play Franklin. In turn, the home team Panthers had 22 on the roster.

Having so few players means being able to substitute and give players rest is almost nonexistent.

Franklin (5-4) is a Class 2A school, while Murphy is 1A, putting the Bulldogs at a disadvantage right from the opening whistle.

“It was rough,” Butler said, but added there were some definite bright spots.

“Collin and Kenneth Parker both played fantastic and tough the entire game,” Butler said, referencing the pair of identical twins that play for the Bulldogs.

Against Franklin, Butler had Kenneth Parker playing the attacking midfield position, with Collin Parker standing in the center of the defense at defensive midfield.

Murphy has one more non-conference game before moving into the 1-A Smoky Mountain schedule.

The Bulldgos will take on Mountain Heritage beginning at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, in Burnsville.

After that, Murphy will host Hayesville on Wednesday, Sept. 25, beginning at 6 p.m., for the first conference game on the schedule.

The game will be the first of ten straight conference games for the Bulldogs.