SHALLOTTE – Seniors Jacob Nixon and Malcolm Bolden teamed up for a pair of goals as East Bladen defeated West Brunswick 2-0 Thursday night in non-conference boys’ soccer action.
Nixon scored a 1st half goal off of a Bolden assist. “We earned a throw deep in their half,” noted Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “Malcolm threw a perfect ball that Jacob got on the end of. Great finish from Jacob.”
Late in the 2nd half, Nixon returned the favor by assisting on a Bolden goal that padded the lead to 2-0. “Jacob won a ball in midfield and played a great ball to Malcolm,” said Raynor. “Malcolm turned, beat the defender 20 yards from goal and then dribbled the keeper for the left-footed finish. Two great finishes from two seniors. Both guys had solid performances tonight.”
“We started the game off slow. Lackadaisical for sure,” said Raynor. “West had a 1-on-1 with Lee (Barnes) and should’ve gone ahead 1-0. Instead their shot hit off the post and Lee was able to make the save.”
After the sluggish start, the Eagles were able to keep the pressure on West. “From 25 minutes on, we controlled the game,” said Raynor. “We had some good looks on goal that just didn’t go in. The guys were able to put West under pressure almost immediately when they won or attempted to win a ball.”
Raynor continued, “At times our immaturity shows. We go through the motions rather than playing at a high level. We were fortunate not to go down early in the game. We grew into the game and got better as the game went on.”
The Eagles outshot the Trojans 32-4 (18-1 in 1st half). “One sequence we hit the post, crossbar, and post again,” stated Raynor. “Some nights that happens. What I liked was how we responded to that. We didn’t hang our heads or get down on ourselves, we continued to push on and create more chances.”
“Tyreon Graham is a catalyst in midfield and a reason why we are starting to win a majority of the balls in midfield,” noted Raynor. “Jamie Delgado has really upped his game. He creates and makes plays when attacking as well as defending. We also had some great wing play from Nathan Howell and Chace Butler. Those guys’ motors never seemed to wear down or stop.”
Raynor added, “It was good to earn a shutout as well. Lee wasn’t tested much but that’s due to the guys in front of him. Alex Hildago, Lafon Monroe, Nathan and Omar Atkinson locked things down for us in the back.”
“We are communicating more,” said Raynor. “That comes with confidence and understanding. The guys are finally settling into their positions and roles. I was impressed with our effort and our drive. I feel good about where we are. We have grown and improved. We have dealt with a few situations and to have earned the results we have to this point, I feel great about this team.”
The Eagles improved to 4-3 with the victory and will open Southeastern Athletic Conference play Monday night at Midway.
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