Green Hope took the scenic route 1 hour and 45 minute bus ride from Cary to Fayetteville for the 2nd round of the 4A State play-offs, staying off the Interstates and taking old highways. The mellow drive seemed to give the team a chance to relax, focus and get ready for the match.

As the game started, the Falcons were buzzing around the field creating several chances early in the game. Although there were some ambitious shots from 30-35 yards, the casual observer could sense the Falcons were crisp and on form. There was a lot of movement off the ball, defenders were gobbling up any threats, passes were crisp and on target and Alex Long was in command of every aspect of his game.

The team played some quick one-two's in the center of the field and the ball ended up on Justin Smith's left foot 20 yards from goal. Justin hit a powerful shot directly off the post ricocheting into the back of the net. Assist to Martin Murphy. 1-0, Green Hope.

The Falcons won a corner and Magnus Sorensen served the ball into the box where Zach Steele buried it off the volley for the 2-0 lead. Zach, obviously pleased with his important goal sprinted 90 yards around the field for his celebration. Fantastic!

Soon thereafter, Martin Murphy played a wonderfully flighted ball to Justin Taylor running down the left flank. Justin deftly chipped the keeper for the 3-0 lead.

At the 15-minute mark of the game, Zach Steele played a perfectly timed ball between the Terry Sanford defense to Magnus Sorensen. Magnus calmly ran onto it, picked his spot and struck it hard and low past the onrushing keeper for the 4-0 lead.

The game was decided within the first 15 minutes. Everyone on the team seemed to be having a good game. The early scoring gave the starting 11 a chance to get a little rest and provided the players coming off the bench some valuable playoff experience, including the three players called up from JV for the playoffs.

Green Hope will face Leesville at home the week of November 5th for the 3rd round of the State playoffs.