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Ever since Olympus beat Murray for the 2012 soccer championship, the two teams have become fierce rivals with the Spartans holding the edge.

So the Titans took more than a little pleasure in earning a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten and top-ranked Murray on Tuesday.

The win moved Olympus to within one game of the Spartans in the tight Region 6 race and avenged an earlier overtime loss to their rival.

"It's been awhile," said Titan coach Chris Sonntag about the last time his team beat its rival. "We met them in the state championship in 2012. Ever since there, it seems like every game is overtime. I wouldn't have been surprised if this one was overtime. We both had our chances."

Olympus, which has given up only seven goals this year, scored 24 minutes into the game. Tony Foulger assisted sophomore Adam Naylor on the goal.

"Tony had a long throw that bounced right over their center back and I was right there," said Naylor. "We wanted to have a good start. The last time we played, they scored two early goals. We wanted to come out with intensity today."

The Titans were the aggressors early but played conservative defense much of the second half as they recorded their ninth shutout of the season.

Murray had its chances, but Olympus' backline of Matt Lockwood, James Dansie, Josh Gubler and Sam Marberger formed a defensive wall in front of goalie Luke Johnson.

"Our defense has been stepping it up all year," said Johnson. "They lock down. They haven't let me do very much the hole year. When it happens, I hope I am ready to be there.

"It feels good," he continued. "Murray has gotten the best of us ever since I've been here so it's nice to get one my senior year. It's always a battle with Murray."

Sonntag said he would like nothing better than to meet Murray for the 4A title again in a rubber match.

"They are well-coached and gentleman, win or lose," he said. "They are a good program and our fiercest rival."

Twitter @tribtomwharton —

Storylines

• Olympus makes a first-half goal by Adam Naylor stand up to upset top-ranked and previously unbeaten Murray.

• Olympus goalie Luke Johnson records his ninth shutout of the season.

• Olympus has given up only seven goals this year.