PETTICOAT JUNCTION — The birthday boy got the job done for the Bulldogs.
Oscar Lopez celebrated his big day with three goals, earning his first hat trick, and Silver Bluff easily advanced to the second round of the Class AA boys' soccer playoffs with a 6-0 blowout of Garrett Academy.
"It's nice to be moving on," Silver Bluff head coach Clay Holley said. "This team has surpassed my expectations, so I'm proud."
Silver Bluff jumped in front instantly when the ball deflected off the hand of a Garrett Academy defender in the box in the second minute. Luis Florido put the ensuing penalty kick in the back of the net, and the rout was on from there.
Lopez got a couple of birthday gifts from his teammates in the first half on two well-placed services on a pair of set pieces. He rose up and put both of them away, giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead.
"It was a first for me," Lopez said. "I had never scored a header in my high school career and never really thought I would, but then I scored two. I'm glad I did."
Silver Bluff put another goal on the board with another penalty kick from Florido to take a 4-0 lead at halftime.
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PHOTO CREDIT: ERIC RUSSELL/AIKEN STANDARD