Fans have been turning out to watch North Moore's boys soccer team play the top teams in the Yadkin Valley Conference. So far they've been disappointed. Until Monday night, that is.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 4-2 halftime lead over visiting Gray Stone and held on to defeat the conference's second-place team 4-3.

The win is North Moore's second straight since a 2-1 home loss to top-ranked East Montgomery. The Mustangs improve to 6-9 overall and 5-7 in the conference after their sixth win in their last nine contests, a span that also includes an overtime loss to eighth-ranked Albemarle at home.

"We've played very well at home this year," said first-year coach Ben Shamberger. "Unfortunately we couldn't pull off the upsets against Albemarle and East Montgomery, but we had the same type of environment in both those games. I think these guys have their minds right now. I think they're ready."

Despite fielding a roster that includes 11 freshmen, the team has made major strides since starting the season with six straight losses and falling 7-2 to Gray Stone in the first meeting between the two schools.

Luis Peralta scored a pair of goals to go along with first-half scores from Simon Wagner and Abraham Juan before North Moore turned the lead over to its defense, which did not disappoint down the stretch.

"Defense has come a long way," Shamberger said. "To really be a good team in the conference is to have a strong defense."

Gray Stone got within 4-3 when Garrett Mullis scored in the 48th minute, but the Mustangs stood fast the rest of the way despite being outshot 9-6 after halftime by the shorthanded Knights, who had a player red-carded in the first half.

North Moore keeper Jose Peralta recorded three saves in the second half, all in the final 15 minutes.

The Mustangs play again Wednesday at South Stanly and then return home on Thursday to host South Davidson.