03/28/2024
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ELIZABETHTOWN – St. Pauls senior Anthony Sosa scored the winning goal on a long shot in the 92nd minute and edged East Bladen 2-1 in overtime Thursday night in Southeastern Athletic Conference boys’ soccer action.

“It was a heck of a game and could have gone either way,” said East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor. “Hate to be on the losing end but we have to tip our cap to St. Pauls. Two quality finishes from distance. Their experience played a factor in the result. It was the first time they have beaten us since 2009.”

In the 28th minute, junior Malcolm Bolden served a corner kick into the box and senior Sam Inscoe flicked it toward the back post where junior Jacob Nixon knocked it into the goal.

“Jacob is dangerous inside the box,” noted Raynor. “His size and desire to make something happen is a difference maker. That alone is the reason we put him up top towards the later stages of the game.”

“Sam Inscoe is playing limited minutes recovering from an ACL tear, but has been a huge factor every time he is on the field” stated Raynor. “Sam did a great job in midfield for us.”

Raynor continued, “Malcolm did a great job tonight. He was having to beat 2 and 3 guys at a time. He got behind them several times and had some good looks but they did a great job of sending numbers to make it extremely difficult to beat. That is a credit to their defense and game plan.”

Sosa bent a shot into the back corner of the goal to tie the score 1-1 in the 54th minute. “It was a beautiful goal and there was nothing Lee (Barnes) could do. We needed to pressure that shot but regardless it was well struck and was a quality finish.”

“Lee Barnes continues to be impressive in goal,” continued Raynor. “He has done an unbelievable job for us and made several point blank saves as well as several diving saves. Chase Starkloff was lock down for us in the back. We played him a little deeper and he made multiple stops that were dangerous scoring chances.”

With under 10 minutes left to play, Nixon chipped a ball over the Bulldog backline and Bolden ran onto it. “It was far enough out that their keeper had to come out,” said Raynor. “Malcolm beat him but their keeper made him take a wider angler to goal. Malcolm hit it with his left foot and it hit off the bottom of the post. It looked like it was going in and seemed to be in slow motion as it hit off the post.”

St. Pauls outshot the Eagles 12-7 in the 2nd half and 20-16 for the game. “We have an established program and we get everyone’s best every night,” noted Raynor. “St Pauls wanted it and have for a long time. It seems like every time we lose a game, teams are taking pictures and celebrating like it’s the state final. That’s a huge compliment. We are an established program that I feel other schools want to beat.”

“My guys have worked their butts off all year, and we are on the verge of turning the corner and being dangerous when our young guys figure out what it takes to win,” said Raynor. “This league is tough and anyone can beat anyone on any given night. I hate it for my guys. Everyone played well.”

“Freshman Chace Butler had a career game tonight,” stated Raynor. “He was up and down the flanks for us and never quit. Things are finally clicking and he too was a difference maker. Tyreon Graham mirrored Chase on the right side and left it all on the field.”

Raynor continued, “Blaine Pope was asked to play in several positions tonight and had one of the best games of his career. He hit several key passes to ignite our offense and did well in his 1-on-1 situations. Zac Metz also had a standout performance. He was under pressure the majority of the night and came out on the better end of those challenges. He got banged up at the end but kept on going. He is driven and never stops.”

“Erik Hildago stepped into a starting role and played 100 minutes in the back for us,” said Raynor. “I am proud of him and how far he has come this year.”

After Sosa’s 2nd goal, the Eagles had a few good looks in the final 8 minutes of the 2nd overtime period but couldn’t put any of them away.

The Eagles, now 3-5 in league play and 8-7 overall, will travel to Midway Monday for a 6 p.m. game.

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