By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Take 21 shots on goal in a high school soccer match and something is bound to go in. Even though visiting McDowell often had as many as nine and 10 players “stacking the box,” defensively, Watauga earned success from its 21-shot barrage not once, not twice, but three times, winning its Northwestern 6A/7A Conference varsity match, 3-0, on Oct. 22 at Jack Groce Stadium.
It was relatively rare for the ball to leave Watauga’s attacking half of the field, maintaining good possession with deft one- and two-touch passes back and forth across the field, moving it steadily toward shot opportunities near the goal. The only real possessions by the Titans resulted from long, desperation launches downfield that were usually scooped up by alert Pioneer defenders. In the first half, there was one high arching, long shot on goal that curved toward the upper right corner — before caroming off the right post, near the top.
Observed one onlooker, “If they score on one of those long, lucky shots, this will be a different game.”
Fortunately for the Pioneers, McDowell’s luck ran out, thanks to a plucky defensive effort by Watauga’s backline and midfielders — and the dominating possession of the frontline and midfielders.
First to score for Watauga was senior David Ganley, a header off a cross from striker Asher Hampton. Ganley was quick to know his shot was good, already turning to celebrate with teammates in the right corner as the ball was just striking the back of the net (see photo).
Given McDowell’s stacking the box, it was tough sledding for the Pioneers, offensively. At least two would-be goals were denied by a sideline official who didn’t seem to understand the offside rule, that if you are onside when a teammate kicks the ball as a pass, you can be beyond the last defender when you take possession of the ball.
Two second half goals were both scored by junior wing Quincy Honeycutt, one on a penalty kick.
Next up for Watauga is a Senior Night match at home against St. Stephens, the last conference game of the regular season before playoffs, on Oct. 27, 6 p.m.
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