03/29/2024
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DUNN – Junior Malcolm Bolden racked up a ‘Hat Trick’ in the 1st half as East Bladen built a 3-1 halftime lead en route to a 5-1 Southeastern Athletic Conference boys’ soccer victory over Midway Monday night.

On a throw-in in the 9th minute Bolden fired the ball in right on top of the Raider goalie who misplayed it and tipped it into the goal. “Malcolm’s long throw is a weapon and we were able to capitalize on it tonight,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor.

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Photos by Kenneth Armstrong

Ten minutes later Bolden took a pass and beat several players on his way to a shot that he drilled past the keeper to grow the lead to 2-0.

The Raiders answered a minute later off of a throw-in to trim the margin to 2-1. “We fell asleep, we didn’t take our marks and they were able to get out,” said Raynor. “They found a guy in the backside who was able to hit a shot from close range past Lee (Barnes).”

Two minutes before halftime, the Eagles turned a short corner kick that was played by Zac Metz into Bolden’s 3rd goal. “We were pressuring Midway and sending numbers. They seemed to be concerned with the numbers in the box rather than Malcolm and Zac,” noted Raynor. “Zac put the ball in play and Malcolm rifled a shot that knuckled into the far corner of the goal.”

The Eagles outshot the Raiders 7-4 in the opening half and 17-8 for the game.

Raynor shared that some halftime adjustments changed the game, “Moving Nathan Howell up a line and dropping Tyreon Graham to right center back made our midfield as well as our backs even stronger. We talked about staying locked in and finishing the game. Continue to be locked in on set pieces and dead ball situations.”

Three minutes after halftime, Bolden assisted on a goal by senior Sam Inscoe. “Sam hit a magnificent shot that beat the keeper,” stated Raynor. “Malcolm got down to the right corner, cut the ball back and slotted a perfect pass to Sam who called off Jacob and hit it one time. Great pass and a heck of a finish.”

In the 62nd minute junior Jacob Nixon headed home a long throw-in from Bolden. “The throw was well executed and a perfect finish,” said Raynor. “Malcolm had a career performance -a “Hat Trick” and 2 assists. He was involved in all 5 of our goals. He looked comfortable tonight.”

Raynor continued, “We have added some help and pieces around Malcolm to help him in our attack. Jacob and Blaine Pope both complement Malcolm very well. Tonight was proof we have found the right system and finally have the right pieces in the correct places.

“Sammy Valerio was a game changer for us,” stated Raynor. “He was able to change the game by flipping the field, made tackle after tackle and was able to start our attack immediately after those tackles. That freed up Chase (Starkloff) in the back and also Jacob to get more involved in the attack.” Valerio was filling a role vacated when Erik Hidalgo suffered an injury.

Raynor credited Pope with another career night. “A lot of what he did won’t show up on a stat sheet but he pressured Midway into a lot of mistakes. He was able to change the game completely just by applying pressure and getting a foot in there to make a play. Countless times he knocked a ball loose that we were able to get on and get into our attack. Proud of him and his drive.

“Chace Butler was another young guy who played every minute with no subs and was up and down the sideline all night,” said Raynor. “Jacob and Sam in the midfield is a heck of a combination. Both have a knack for getting inside the player they are defending. Both compliment each other so well. Having Sam back allows Jacob to make runs with Malcolm.”

Raynor added, “Our pressure in the midfield forced them to take some long shots that Lee easily dealt with. He did come up big on two shots that required him to dive and make a play. Proud of the guys and their execution tonight. They won in all facets of the game. They checked every box that we have for putting ourselves in a position to be successful. Everyone played within their role and did their job.”

The Eagles improved to 4-5 in league play and 9-7 overall. East Bladen will host league-leading Clinton Wednesday at 6 p.m. in their regular season finale.

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