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Green Hope 2 @ Pinecrest 0 (3rd Round of NC State HS 4A
Playoffs)
As usual, the Falcons had to travel again for a play-off game.
This time it was down to beautiful Pinecrest in Southern Pines.
Even though the bus got lost and drove past Pinehurst #2, we didn’t
get to play golf, the team had one thing on their mind: Pinecrest.
The Falcons arrived to a wonderful stadium with excellent lighting,
loud PA system and boisterous fans. Pinecrest does an outstanding job of
getting their community and students out to games.
With temperatures in the mid 70’s, it was a perfect night
for soccer. Early in the game Evan Paussa found himself behind the
PC defense several times. Following a few offside calls on Evan
and some saves by the PC keeper, Thomas Lindsey played a very nice pass
into Evan again; this time, he beat his defender and chipped the
keeper for the 1-0 lead.
Pinecrest picked up their game a notch and hit a cross from the
left flank that hit the Green Hope far post and deflected back to
Falcons keeper, Jonathan Schwartz. Then, against the run of play,
Pat Danford played a ball into John Hindman. After a first touch
deep toward the PC keeper, Hindman outpaced the Pinecrest defense and
caught the keeper in limbo of staying on his line, or coming out.
John then fired a hard shot to the lower left that found the net, 2-0.
The half expired and the Falcons were confident, but aware that
2-0 is the worst lead to have in soccer. The first 5 minutes of
the second half were critical to keep the lead. Green Hope was able
to withstand the pressure and then started to find chances again
on Pinecrest. Taylor Estrada, Evan Paussa and several others had
“sitters” in the 6 yard box that they just missed. Chris Girard
hit a wonderful free-kick, just missing the goal. Pat Danford hit
a terrific shot from 25 yards that hit the cross bar, and Thomas
Lindsey hit another shot where the keeper made an outstanding save.
Pinecrest’s best chance was when the referee called a questionable
penalty kick. The PC player shot to his left and Jonathan Schwartz
snuffed it out, saving the blast and charging up the Falcons even
more. At that point, the game was in Green Hope’s hands. The
momentum was clearly in their favor and their confidence soared.
For the last 10 minutes, the team shifted into a more conservative
shape, maintained possession and secured the win. Green Hope outshot
Pinecrest 16-9.
The Falcons are now 14-6-3 heading into the GREAT 8. They play
the other Wildcard team in the Eastern Bracket, Ashley High School
in Wilmington on Saturday, November 12th at 6 PM.
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