Varsity Soccer vs. Roanoke Valley Christian School

The Hargrave Varsity Soccer Team suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Roanoke Valley Christian, on Monday, by a score of 3-5.

The Tigers came out slow in the early going, and quickly found themselves down by a early goal in the 13th minute of play. Although, the Tigers did not give into the early tally, and soon put forth a strong effort both offensively and defensively, holding RVCS scoreless, and adding three goals in the last 12 minutes of the first half of play.

With patience and hard-work the Tigers notched the game at 1-1 with 12 minutes to go in the first half. Captain Kayode Ogunnaike (2G) was credited with the goal off the assist from Nathan LeNoir (2A). The Tigers continued to put pressure on the RVCS defense, and use the previous goal’s momentum to capitalize and take the lead 2-1 with five minutes left in the half. Ogunnaike struck once again, tallying his second goal of the match, following up the shot of Nathan LeNoir that came loose after the RVCS goalkeeper made the save. LeNoir was credited with his second assist of the match.

Although, the Tigers would not sit on the 2-1 lead. Two minutes later Hargrave added their third goal of the match with three minutes remaining in the first half. Captain Chris Martelli (1A) sent a flighted ball, off a free kick from midfield, in behind the defense onto the foot of Alnor Rodriguez (1G). Rodriguez was able to out-run the RVCS defense, and was left with a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. Rodriguez put the ball away, and gave the Tigers the 3-1 lead at the half.

The second half became a different story for the Tigers, though, as their opponent came out firing. Six minutes in RVCS made it a 3-2 game. RVCS continued to put the Tigers back on their heels, and seven minutes later, tied the game at 3-3.

The Tigers fought hard and tough to maintain their composure, but were not able to hold off the pressure of the RVCS attack. Though the Tigers put forth a great effort to stay in the game, RVCS was able to control the middle, maintaining possession of the ball, and keep the Hargrave attack at bay.

RVCS then struck again in the 68th minute of play taking the 4-3 lead. Five minutes later, RVCS added their fifth goal of the match, which would turn out to be the final result, 5-3.

With 13 minutes remaining in the game, the Tigers fought hard to put themselves back within striking distance, but were unable to overcome the solid defensive effort given forth by RVCS in the second half. Hargrave finished with only 1 shot in the half.

For the day, Hargrave finished with 8 shots while RVCS had 17 shots. Goalkeeper Garret Torney had 10 saves in the match.

Hagrave Soccer (3-1 overall, 3-1 conference) will look to rebound when they travel to Carlisle on Friday, September 24 for their next scheduled match-up. Kick-off time is 7pm.

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