By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Spreading around the attacking opportunities among 10 Pioneers who took shots on goal, host Watauga junior varsity men’s soccer dominated Alexander Central’s JVs on Sept. 25, 4-0, at Jack Groce Stadium.
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Each of Watauga’s four successful shot attempts were by four different players, including freshman midfielder Miller Hankins, sophomore wing Shiris Kandel, sophomore forward Marcelino Cuz Caal, and sophomore forward Lucas Hamilton.
By most estimates, Watauga controlled possession more than 80 percent of the time during the match, the Cougars getting the ball meaningfully into Pioneer territory only four or fives and rarely threatening. Altogether, Watauga took 16 shots on goal and handled five corner kicks. Freshman goalkeeper Rush Brasier recorded just one save in shutting out the Cougars.
Those Pioneers crafting shots on goal included freshman defender Gabe Madritch (1 shot on goal), Hankins (1), midfield David Ganley (1) Kandel (2), midfielder Noah Bauler (4), Cuz Caal (4), Hamilton (1), wing Elijah Cain (1), forward Tegan Martinez (3), and forward Asher Hampton (3).
“We controlled possession nearly the entire game,” said Watauga junior varsity head coach Vern Collins. “They might have gotten the ball into our defending third, three or four times. This allowed us to try out different attacking formations, which allows our players a chance to grow in the game and prepares us for situations we might encounter. For instance, if we find ourselves down a little bit and need to score, we have a formation that puts more numbers in the attack.”
In addressing a previous area of vulnerability, “finishing,” Collins said the team is getting better, but…
“We had so many shots tonight,” said Collins. “We are getting better at putting them on frame, but far too many were going straight at the goalkeeper. We have to get better.”
Along with the Pioneer varsity, the Watauga JVs (8-2-1) will have an opportunity to improve on their skills Sept. 27, 4:30 p.m., at undefeated Hibriten (11-0-1).
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