Soccer Game Preview: Gainesville vs. Johnson

The Gainesville Red Elephants are taking a road trip to square off against the Johnson Knights at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Gainesville has given up an average of 6.7 goals per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Gainesville managed to slip by Cherokee Bluff the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Red Elephants came up short against the Bears on Tuesday, falling 7-0. While losing is never fun, Gainesville can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Georgia soccer rankings (they are ranked 306th, while Cherokee Bluff are ranked 80th).

Meanwhile, Johnson came tearing into Tuesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.3 goals), and they left with even more momentum. While the 1-1 score might suggest a draw, it was the Knights who were credited with the win. Johnson got it done in the shootout by posting five goals to Collins Hill's four.

Johnson's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-4. Those home wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they scored 18 goals over those three contests. As for Gainesville, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-13 record this season.

Gainesville couldn't quite get it done against Johnson in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 3-1. Can the Red Elephants avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.