Green Hope traveled to Athens Drive for the final game of the season. The game had huge implications and considering Athens Drive beat Green Hope earlier in the year 1-0 on a penalty kick, the Falcons were deeply motivated to avenge the loss. The winning team clinches 2nd in the Tri-8 conference, which offered a somewhat favorable draw in the State playoffs.

The Triangle has been experiencing a devastating drought this year and we have not had any significant rain in over 2 months; however, it rained all day Tuesday and very hard on Wednesday. Considering the season has to be over this week by rule, the Athens game had to be played. As the Falcons arrived to the stadium, the rain was still coming down hard and the JV game was cut short.

The game started 30 minutes early and the conditions were abysmal. The field was already torn up from a full season of soccer and football and the 3 inches of rain in 24 hours made it extremely muddy. The falcons came out in a frenetic pace. Early on, Kyle Bandy had a chance to score inside the 6 yard box, but the ball skipped off the surface and Kyle did well to make contact, but put his effort wide. The game was called 5 minutes into the first half for a 30 minute lightning delay.

Following the delay, both teams had a hard time getting back into the flow both mentally and physically. However, Green Hope continued to create chances and thwart the Athens Dr. offense. Green Hope won a corner and Justin Smith served it in the box, Athens headed it back out to Smith who served it again and Nick Butterly was there to head it home for the 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Green Hope continued to create chances and Athens was pressing for the equalizer. Alex Long, the Falcon keeper was impressive and sure handed in the miserable conditions. Green Hope won another corner and Smith served it again. It was cleared to Ryan McDonnell who served a wonderfully flighted ball to Nick Butterly, who redirected it into the net for the 2-0 lead and Nick's second goal of the game.

For the last twenty minutes, Green Hope bunkered in as Athens sent another man forward. The Falcons did a great job of keeping play in front of them and Athens didn't get any good looks at goal.

The game ended 2-0 and the Falcons secured the #2 seed in the Tri-8. Green Hope plays New Hannover, out of Wilmington, NC in the first round of the NCHSAA playoffs.

The final season standings and record: