Hargrave 2 – LCA 0
The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team kicked off their season with a win over Liberty Christian, on Tuesday, by a score of 2-0.
Hargrave (1-0) maintained possession of the ball throughout the majority of the match, and with continued offensive pressure towards the LCA net would score with 19:11 remaining in the first half. Phillipe Armand (1G) netted the goal with a well-hit blast into the left side of the goal to give Hargrave the 1-0 lead. Josh Splinter (1A) and Alnor Rodriguez (1A) were credited with the assists off a well-crossed ball by Splinter into the box which found Rodriguez, who passed the ball on to Armand who found himself with an open opportunity for a shot at goal. The Armand goal would end the first half at 1-0.
The Tigers continued to press offensively in the second half, but seemingly could not find the back of the net on several scoring opportunities. As the match progressed LCA would, on several occasions, challenge the Tigers defense. Although, a superb defensive effort from Adam Crook, Nick Wynne, and senior captains Chris Martelli and Alnor Rodriguez held the LCA attack at bay.
Senior goalkeeper Geofrey Frazier recorded the shutout with a solid performance in the net for the Tigers, including a superb diving save late in the game to maintain the 1-0 advantage. Frazier was credited with 5 saves.
The Tigers, though, would finally break through with their second goal of the match with less than two minutes remaining in the game with a goal from Tumi Demuren (1G). Through shear hard-work, Demuren was able to run down a long ball deep into the opponent’s defense. With the help of a mistake in the back, and through Demuren’s determination to keep after the ball, Demuren gave the Tigers the 2-0 lead.
The Tigers would finish the game outshooting their opponent 16-7.
Hargrave soccer returns to action on Thursday at 4:00 when they host Westover Christian at home.
