The Flying Scots of Scotland County High School hosted the Pinecrest boys’ soccer team on Thursday night. They held the Patriots to only one goal in the first half, but eventually gave up two more in the final seven minutes of the game to give the visitors a 3-0 Southeastern Conference victory.

In recording their 10th shutout, Pinecrest bolstered their overall record to 10-2-2, in addition to being first at 8-0-0 in the conference. Scotland is currently in fifth place.

“We kept possession of the ball very well, but they played 11 behind the ball,” said coach Evan Saleeby in describing Scotland’s plan. “That made it hard to break them down and penetrate.”

According to Saleeby, the Patriots had several chances at wide-open goals and couldn’t finish, but he was pleased at his defense’s efforts.

“We held Scotland to zero shots on goal which is always a positive,” smiled the head coach.

Garrett Melia went the distance for Pinecrest.

Senior captain and leading scorer Hayden Little recorded the sole tally by halftime, giving him 11 on the year. Juniors Spencer Eltschlager and Nick Guyon recorded second half goals to ensure the win. Assists were credited to Rene Cruz, Luke Lynch and Stephen Sawyer.  

The visiting Pat junior varsity squad won 4-0. Dormain Johnson had two goals; Chase Nelsen and Cole Ritch each had one for Pinecrest.

The Patriots will celebrate Senior Night against Richmond at 7 p.m. Monday at home, honoring 12 young men, the nucleus of Saleeby’s first team as a head coach.

“They have helped make my first year a very fun one, and they’re a great group of kids,” the coach said. “I wish them all the best after they leave Pinecrest.

The dozen seniors include: Ryan Garner, Jake Harbeck, Phil Lett, Hayden Little, Luke Lynch, Jeff Maser, Taylor Morton, Hunter Oliver, Drew Phillips, Clay Richter, Eisaku Sato and Jordan Wilkins.