03/29/2024
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BLADENBORO – Senior Chase Starkloff drilled in a penalty kick 66 seconds into the game and that proved to be the difference as East Bladen edged West Bladen 1-0 Wednesday night in Southeastern Athletic Conference boys’ soccer action.

A foul in the box led to the Eagle penalty kick. “It was a well played match for both teams,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “I thought it was a physical match. Both teams wanted it and it’s what an in-county game should be.”

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Photos by Kenneth Armstrong

“I definitely expected a different outcome tonight,” said West Bladen Coach Kristen Parker. “We had an extremely costly mistake in the first seconds of the game that led to the PK and the only goal of the game. But overall, both defenses did their jobs tonight limiting the attack and the number of shots on goal.”

East Bladen held a 21-7 edge in shots on goal.

“Their goal keeper (Cade Allen) was phenomenal for them tonight,” said Raynor. “He stopped multiple shots and attacks. The most impressive was coming off his line and meeting Malcolm (Bolden) close to the top of the box. He made himself big when he slid through to make the play. Malcolm’s only choice was to try and go over the top of him and the ball just barely rolled past the post.”

Raynor noted, “Jacob Nixon and Chase Starkloff did an excellent job of stopping their attacks as well as starting ours. They both controlled the middle of the park and made play after play along with Ishmael Arteaga who played a strong 80 minutes. He’s determined and played some of his best soccer I have seen him play.

“Joel Johnson and Gabriel Algozy started out strong for us and that’s what led to the penalty kick,” said Raynor. “We were able to make some runs and make them make some difficult decisions and plays.

“Zac Metz has really been solid for us in the back and has gotten better each time out,” stated Raynor. “Nathan Howell is also getting better each time out. He dominated his space and was relentless in the back for us.”

Raynor continued, “Jaime Delgado and Blaine Pope held down the wings for us and were vital in our defensive stops. Lee Barnes had a few tests tonight and handled them well. He continues to be a leader in the back and doesn’t seem to be phased by much.

“Malcolm had runs and good looks at goal,” said Raynor. “He had a great night and is hard to defend.”

Raynor concluded, “I think credit goes to West Bladen. They wanted it and it showed in their defending. I am proud of my guys and our collective team effort.”

East Bladen improves to 3-2 in SAC-7 play and 7-4 overall. The Eagles will host Red Springs Thursday at 6 p.m.

West Bladen, now 0-5 in league play and 5-5 overall, will entertain St. Pauls Thursday at 6 p.m.

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