The Southern Pines are a Even though they lost on Wednesday, head coach Chris Larsen said it was hard to describe how well the Richmond soccer team played.
In a Sandhills Athletic Conference game, the Raiders went to Pinecrest High School and lost 1-0.
The game ended in a tie at halftime when the Patriots scored the only goal in the 62nd minute.
Adrian Padron, the senior goalie, didn’t play because of an injury that hasn’t gone away. Camden Williams, a junior goalie, took his place and started, and Larsen praised his work.
Larsen said, “Camden started tonight because Adrian isn’t 100%.” “He made some great saves in the first half to keep the score from going over.”
“There were a few stops on long shots, and Camden also made a good stop in a one-on-one situation.”
As Larsen pointed out, the Raiders stepped up the back-and-forth play in the second half after the first 40 minutes.
He said, “Three good chances on goal in the second half.” “Both Memphis Jacobs and Noah Gil had a chance, but Patrick Smith most likely had the best chance.”
“Gui Romero hit Patrick as he ran into the back post, but he missed by a few feet.” There was a chance, and it made us more interested in the game.
When Williams moved in the direction of the first shot, the ball deflected into the box and Pinecrest scored. It was 1-0 when the ball got in.
Larsen also said nice things about Dougie Dickinson, Elen Fonaeca, Phoenix Jacobs, Daryan Mendez, and Cole Thrower, who play defense, for “withstanding wave after wave” of Pinecrest’s offensive charge.
Larsen ended by saying, “I know the guys are sick of hearing me say that, but we’re playing great soccer.” “All we need is one win to get over the hump.”
The Raiders (1-8, 0-2 SAC) will play Jack Britt High School (9-2) at home on Thursday at 7 p.m. in a non-conference game.
JV Raiders draw even with Pinecrest
The Richmond junior varsity boys’ soccer team had a lead at halftime Wednesday, but it didn’t last.
The JV Raiders were ahead by one goal at halftime, but in the end, they tied 3-3 with Pinecrest.
For the half, the score was 2-1 thanks to two penalty kicks scored by freshman Allen Franco.
Early in the second half, Pinecrest scored two goals to take the lead back. Richmond’s last goal was a header by student Martin Lopez, which was helped by Franco from a set piece.
Thursday at 5:15 p.m., the JV Raiders (3-4-2, 0-1-1 SAC) will play home to Jack Britt.