Hargrave 2 – Roanoke Catholic 0
With goals from sophomore midfielder Nathan LeNoir (1G) and senior forward Phillipe Armand (1G) the Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team was lifted to a 2-0 victory over Roanoke Catholic on a hot Tuesday afternoon, and moved the Tigers to 3-0 in conference play.
With his fourth goal in three games LeNoir opened the scoring for the Tigers 23 minutes into the first half. LeNoir received a pass at center field, and with a solo effort drove the ball forward 60 yards for the score with a hit from 12 yards out into the bottom right corner of the goal.
The Tigers maintained consistent pressure throughout the first half of play, but, once again, saw several clear opportunities come up short of their mark. Although, the Tigers did control the majority of the possession, and did not falter despite the numerous near misses. Once again, a superb defensive effort from the Tiger defense, led by senior goalkeeper Geofrey Frazier, and senior captains Chris Martelli and Alnor Rodriguez, held Roanoke Catholic scoreless at the halftime whistle.
During the second half of play both sides would battle for possesion of the ball, and create opportunities to add to the scoreboard. Although, the Tigers would strike with the goal from Armand 12 minutes into the second half to take the 2-0 lead. With a hard-fought effort, forward Patrick Galindo (1A) won a loose ball out of the air; sending it into the 18 yard box and into the path of Armand for a blistering shot into the right corner of the goal, and leaving the Roanoke keeper with no chance of making the save. The goal gave Armand his third tally in three games.
With 17 minutes remaining in the game, though, the Tigers would dodge a bullet, escaping a Roanoke tally with a penalty kick sailed just over the bar. With the 2-0 lead still in hand, the Tiger defense would once again hold back the offensive pressure of their opponent to secure the shutout.
Sophomore goalkeeper Nathan Bloom saw the second half of action in goal, and made several key, diving saves in the waning moments of the game to help secure the 2-0 victory for the Tigers.
The Tigers recorded 15 shots in the match, while holding their opponent to eight attempts.
Tiger Soccer will return to action on Thursday, September 15 to take on their next conference match-up in Carlisle. The match promises to be a game to watch, as these two in-conference undefeated teams go head-to-head. Game time is slotted for 4:00.
