His family name is well-known on the Asheville soccer scene.
Jimmy Mennell ’24 is keeping it that way.
The junior cut the tension of a scoreless game Tuesday night, heading in a rebound with 30 minutes to play in a 1-0 shutout of visiting Charlotte Christian.
Jimmy leads Christ School varsity soccer with three goals through six games. This latest win not only leveled the team’s record at 3-3. It could prove huge down the road when the NCISAA 4-A state playoffs are seeded.
Jimmy’s older brother, Jonny, played goalkeeper for the Greenies in 2017 and 2018. Jonny is now a freshman keeper for Xavier University and has a background in semi-professional soccer as well. Jimmy’s father, Mathes, has been a head coach locally for UNC Asheville and Warren Wilson College.
Tuesday was the first shutout of the year for the Greenies with Ben Yang ‘24 turning away every shot by the Knights (0-2-0).
Jaron Richardson ’23 put the ball in the box that led to Jimmy’s goal and nearly set up another score in the first half, but a shot from George Robbins ‘24 glanced off the far post. Shortly after that series, Bradley Campbell ’24 had an opportunity from directly in front of the goal off a ball fed in by Jackson Knoll ’23. The Charlotte Christian keeper was perfectly positioned to make the save.
Christ School begins the Carolinas Athletic Association portion of its schedule Friday with a trip to Rabun Gap (Ga.). The Eagles are not only the defending CAA champions but won last year’s NCISAA 4-A state title.