Warhorses outduel Hendersonville, 3-1, for third straight win

Senior Lyle Sulzman scores 2 goals in Western Highlands Conference match

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 22, 2026

Less than 2.5 minutes had ticked off the clock in Warhorses Stadium, Sept. 21, before junior Boone Ferguson blasted a shot into the Hendersonville net to give Owen an early advantage.

While a physical Western Highlands Conference match followed, the Warhorses, led by 2 goals from senior Lyle Sulzman, emerged with their third straight victory.

Owen entered the contest against the Bearcats following consecutive 9-0 wins over Avery and Mitchell. The offensive attack resumed quickly against Hendersonville, as Owen held a 1-0 lead through the first 20 minutes of play.

Working the ball within 12 yards of the goal, Sulzman put the Warhorses in position to strengthen their advantage, drawing a foul from a Bearcats defender. Owen’s leading scorer connected on the subsequent penalty kick attempt.

Sulzman added to that lead in the 32nd minute of play, dribbling from the right side of the field before turning towards the net, scoring his second goal of the night with his left foot. Owen led, 3-0, as the teams entered the half.

Hendersonville responded early in the 65th minute of play, successfully converting a penalty kick for its first goal of the night. The teams battled for possession in the midfield for the remainder of the match, as the Warhorses held on for the 3-1 victory.

Owen improved to 4-4-2 with the win, as Hendersonville fell to 4-6-1. The Warhorses, who remain tied with Polk for the top spot in the conference, will welcome WHC foe Madison at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Photos of the soccer match between Owen and Hendersonville can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.