Patriots Deny Raiders

The Pinecrest boy's soccer team defeated the visiting Richmond County Raiders 5-1 Wednesday night at the John Williams Athletic Center. The Patriots are one victory from clinching their 12th straight Mid-Southeastern Championship improving to 13-2-2 overall and 9-0 in conference play.

The Patriots dominated both possession and field position in the first half, but only led 1-0 at halftime. Senior Tyler Herbst scored the first goal when he chipped the ball past a charging Richmond keeper with 11 minutes remaining in the first half.

The Raiders tied the score early in the second on a penalty shot. Then the Patriots responded with four unanswered goals.

Freshman Richard Palmer restored the Patriot advantage when he took a pass from Junior Dylan Cole and blasted a low strike just inside the left post from 25 yards out. Jack Talton pushed the lead to 3-1 on a feed from senior Eric Parziale. Senior Matt Scott converted a penalty kick for the Patriot fourth goal and senior Michael Pigg completed the scoring with a goal in the game's final three minutes.

Vikings Top Bears

The Union Pines soccer team posted its fifth shutout in six games Wednesday when the Vikings defeated Cape Fear Valley Conference foe Gray's Creek, 4-0.

With the win the Vikes improved to 14-2 overall and 9-1 in conference.

The Vikings took a one goal lead into the intermission on a goal from Conner Reilly. Reilly took a pass from Jay O'Conner and then one-timed the ball into the goal in the 27th minute.

In the second half, senior midfielder Christian Forest put the Vikes up 2-0 in the 61st minute, when he found the back of the net on a long assist by keeper Aaron Moore. Senior captain Brain Hayes later scored his first goal of the season to give Union Pines a 3-0 lead.

Freshman Evan Lindsey would put a cap on the night's scoring with 5:52 remaining in the game. The goal was originated by an assist from senior forward Kenny Hudson, who faked a shot and then chipped the ball to Lindsey.