WHITEVILLE – Sammy Valero and Chase Starkloff fired in 2nd half goals that lifted East Bladen to a 2-0 non-conference boys’ soccer victory over Whiteville Thursday night.
Junior Omar Atkinson started the 2nd half for the Eagles and his pressure on the ball created turnovers – one of which led to the 1st East Bladen goal 5 minutes after halftime.
“Sammy picked up a ball that was sent to him by Joel Johnson and drilled a shot into the lower left corner of the goal,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “I’m proud of those guys but especially Omar. He works hard everyday. He’s new to soccer so his skills are behind some others but his work ethic is one of the best on the team. Our saying has always been “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” and that is Omar.”
Starkloff converted a penalty kick into the 2nd Eagle goal midway the 2nd half. “We had a nice sequence and Sammy was breaking to goal but he was pulled down,” noted Raynor. “Chase tucked the PK away with no issues. Chase had a heck of a game and came up big for us over and over again.”
East Bladen outshot Whiteville 17-4 (7-2 in the 1st half). “We didn’t have a great first half,” stated Raynor. “Made a couple adjustments at half and we were able to be more dynamic in the 2nd half. Part of that was moving some pieces around and the other was giving some guys time that are hungry. Our pressure of the ball was much better and created more scoring chances than the first half.”
Raynor praised the play of Jaime Delgado, Gabril Algozy, Rueban Alvarado, and Blake Allen. “They had career games for us tonight. Proud of them. They got the opportunities tonight because of their work ethic and made the most of the time they earned, played within the system, and were great teammates.”
“Jacob Nixon moving in the system changed the game,” continued Raynor. “He’s a competitor and made numerous plays to stop their attack as well as to start ours. Zac Metz, Chase Starkloff, Nathan Howell, and Lee Barnes. The backs did a great job of not allowing many opportunities for shots on goal.”
“Lee was great! Another shutout and his leadership in the back and the way he commands the box is special,” said Raynor. “I still think we can play better in the back. We went away from the system at times which made things harder than it should have been. I do think the inexperience has part to do with it. We need to make plays and be switched on at all times.”
Raynor concluded, “All in all it was a good result. Whiteville has always been a tough place to play. Our guys handled well and kept their composure. It was physical and at times very much over the top. We didn’t allow the extra things to get to us or get us out of what we wanted to do.”
The Eagles improved to 4-2 will host West Bladen Monday at 6 p.m.
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