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Green Hope 0 @ Sanderson 1
The Falcons traveled to Sanderson High School on Tuesday to play
one of the most storied HS soccer programs in NC history. Sanderson
has won the State Championship at least 6 times. Sanderson is an
extremely formidable opponent with wins this year against Cary and
a close loss to Apex. The Falcons came into the game a little injured
with both Ryan Dowd and JP Lebeicz unable to play.
Green Hope opened the game with a little different line-up to account
for the scoring prowess of Sanderson's Justin Wyatt. Mark Trawick
had the dubious role of making sure Wyatt was held in check. Trawick
did an excellent job and limited Wyatt to very few opportunities
in the first half. However, with the change in shape, the Falcons
were unable to generate much offense. With that being said, the
best chance came midway through the half as Evan Paussa had a point
blank shot from 12 yards away that he drilled into the keeper. The
half ended 0-0.
In the second half, Green Hope and Sanderson shared equal play.
Sanderson earned a throw in and again, the Falcons continued to
show their Achilles heel as the ball bounced and ricocheted through
the box without a GH player able to clear it. It eventually found
a Sanderson player's foot who easily knocked it in the goal from
6 yards out. 0-1.
The Falcons, down 0-1, dumped their defensive tactic and pushed
for the equalizer. The team responded well to being down for the
first time all year with a furious attack. Thomas Lindsey hit the
cross-bar from 18 yards out, John Hindman had an open chance from
a great service from Mark Trawick, but Hindman found the goalie's
chest from 5 yards away. Numerous opportunities were washed aside.
Time expired and the Falcons suffered their first defeat, their
record stands at 2-1-1. The team continues to suffer from the lack
of a precision pass in the attacking part of the field and the search
for someone to step up as the offensive threat continues. With this
team's character, resolve and competitive nature, there is no doubt
a player will emerge to assume this role.
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