The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team posted their first shut-out of the season, on Thursday, beating the Lynchburg Christian Bulldogs by a commanding 5-0 score.
In the first half, the Tigers once again showed signs of being unable to put the finishing touches on their scoring opportunities, as several shots either sailed wide of the goal or were pounced on by the Lynchburg Christian goalkeeper. Throughout the first half, possession of the ball went back-and-forth between both sides with neither team being able to seemingly take command of the score. Then mid-way through the half the Tigers struck on a goal by Freshman Nathan LeNoir (2G) when he collected a loose ball in the middle of the field, and from 25 yards out sent in a flighted ball that found its way over the opponent’s goalkeeper for the score.
Both the Bulldogs and the Tigers continued to create opportunities to score, but the 1-0 tally would remain on the board at the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Tigers came out firing, and began to take control of the game. Ball possession was being won and maintained, and scoring opportunities continued to be created. The Tiger’s intensity and mentality changed as they came out to immediately put pressure on the Bulldogs defense, and add to the 1-0 lead.
Ten minutes into the half, Alnor Rodriguez (1G) gave the Tigers the 2-0 lead. Off of a cross from Josh Splinter (1A) the ball found its way to an open Rodriguez who easily placed the ball into the back of the net. Moments later, Captain Kayode Ogunnaike (1G) added his seventh goal of the season giving the Tigers the 3-0 lead. The assist was credited to Tumi Demuren (1G, 1A) who sent in a pass from the left side of the field, just outside the 18 yard box. The pass was perfectly placed onto the incoming stride of Ogunnaike who hit the ball first time, blasting the shot into the back of the net from 12 yards out.
The Tiger’s offense was not done yet, as they continued to press the Bulldog defense. LeNoir would add his second goal of the match, giving the Tigers the 4-0 lead, off of a Miguel Garzozi (2A) assist. Garzozi would add another assist to a Demuren goal that would close off the victory for the Tigers, 5-0.
The superb defensive effort put forth by John Yu, Dee Okunowo, Nick Wynne, and Captains Chris Martelli and Charles Amos were all intricate in holding the Bulldogs scoreless, and securing the win. Goalkeeper Garret Torney finished with another solid effort in the net, making 4 saves and posting his first shut-out of the season.
The Tigers finished the game with 20 shots on net, while allowing their opponent only 6.
Hargrave Soccer (5-3-1 overall, 4-3-1 conference) will host their next match-up against Westover Christian, on Tuesday, September 12. Kick-off time begins at 4pm.
