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Pinecrest vs #9 Terry Sanford Tuesday, September 4th, 2007 John Williams Field, Southern Pines, NC |
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Pinecrest vs #9 Terry Sanford Tuesday, September 4th, 2007 John Williams Field, Southern Pines, NC |
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| The Pinecrest boys' soccer team dropped a close 2-1 match to the Bulldogs of Terry Sanford Tuesday night at the John Williams Athletic Complex. Terry Sanford entered the game ranked ninth in 4-A soccer and improved to 7-0, while the Patriots fell out of the top-15 rankings this week, dropping to 2-2 for the season. Pinecrest coach Larry Martin was smarting after the match. "Terry Sanford must feel really good walking away from that game with the result," he said. "Hopefully, we will get another shot at them in the state playoffs." Another boisterous crowd for Tuesday night soccer was treated to the closely matched sides up-and-down play, and, as is usual this season, experience was on the visitors' side. The Bulldogs started nine seniors and two juniors, with the Patriots countering with three seniors, five juniors and three sophomores. The first half ended as a scoreless draw, with the action fast and furious, but without advantage gained. The Patriots' best chance came 16 minutes in as a corner taken by Thomas Goulden found Max Brenner, with his header hitting the side of the net. The exact same sophomore combination hooked up in the 26th minute and also resulted in a miss of net. Senior Coby Kavanaugh would create space for himself at the 18-yard line midway through the half but also failed to find the frame. Terry Sanford's best first-half effort would come from a streaking right wing, who blasted a 15-yard shot that stung the hands of Patriot keeper Brad McKeever. The decisive second half would begin with junior Matt Carriker creating shooting space, but missing the Bulldog goal with his left foot from close range. Terry Sanford quickly tested McKeever with a break from the left side that was well-handled. The Bulldogs struck first at the 50-minute mark, with a free kick from 35 yards bouncing dangerously around in the goal mouth. The ball was cleared once, re-settled at the 18 and then deposited in the lower left corner for 1-0 Bulldog lead. Pinecrest would quickly rally, pressing forward with the Terry Sanford keeper up to the task until at 64 minutes Pinecrest would equalize via sophomore Aaron Stroker. Tyler Dawson threaded a ball through the Bulldog defense onto Stroker, who streaked down the left side and beat the keeper to the far post. The level score would last but four minutes, as Terry Sanford again capitalized on a scrum in the Patriot goal box. The ball crossed from the left side, eluding Patriot defenders, with the Bulldog scoring strike coming from 10 yards out, nicking the left post and onto goal. Pinecrest spent the final 10 minutes seeking an answer but come up empty. Martin thought his squad had their chances, but failed to take advantage. "I told the kids I was impressed with their effort, but sometimes great effort just isn't enough," Martin said. "We need to finish our chances better. We need better clearances" Pinecrest will open Mid-Southeastern Conference play at home Monday night against Douglas Byrd. The Patriot junior varsity maintained its perfect record on the season, winning 4-0 against the Bulldog jayvees. Scoring for Pinecrest were Jack Talton, Nick Ceraso, Ryan Osterman and Will Price. Dana Parziale and Michael Guerante combined in goal for the shutout. <-Previous 8-31-07 at #8 Hoggard (L, 0-4) 9-6-07 vs Lee County (W, 5-1) Next-> |