OPELIKA, Ala. – The Troup Tigers notched the tying goal in the second half on Tuesday against Opelika (Ala.), and the game ended in a 1-1 tie when play was suspended with three minutes remaining in regulation.

Rather than wait out at least a 30-minute delay, Troup head coach Jase Crenshaw said he and the Opelika coach decided to call the game at that point.

The first half was dominated by Opelika, and Crenshaw said his team felt fortunate to be within a goal.

“They were maintaining possession throughout the first half, through the midfield,” Crenshaw said. “We played a few through balls and had a few chances, but nothing went in. So we were actually pretty thankful to be down 1-0 at halftime.”

Troup pulled even in the second half.

Juan Herrera took a corner kick, and Thomas Trotter collected the ball and knocked it into the net to tie things up.

Crenshaw said a formation change, which was suggested by the players, helped the Tigers enjoy a lot more offensive success in the second half.

After the tying goal, the Tigers continued to get some good looks at the goal, but they were unable to take the lead.

Crenshaw said goal keeper Matthew Moore delivered a game-saving performance.

“Matthew Moore, our keeper, if we would have not had him tonight, it could have been a 5-1 win for them,” Crenshaw said. “Two or three one-on-one opportunities that Opelika had, he came out with the ball in his hands. He did a phenomenal job back there. He definitely saved our butts quite a few times.”

Troup (3-1-1) will open its Region 5-AAAA schedule on Thursday with a home game against Woodward Academy at the Troup County Soccer Complex.

The girls’ game begins at 5:30 p.m., with the boys’ game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Also on Tuesday, the Callaway Lady Cavaliers and Rockmart were tied 4-4 when that game was suspended with a little more than 10 minutes remaining.

The game will be completed on March 17 when Rockmart visits Callaway, and they’ll then play the regularly-scheduled game.

Tuesday’s boys’ game between Callaway and Rockmart was cancelled.

Callaway is scheduled to host Region 5-AAA foe Pepperell on Thursday.

Reach Kevin Eckleberry at (706) 884-7311 or on Twitter @lagrangesports