ST. PAULS – East Bladen built a 3-0 lead in the second half then held on for a 3-2 victory over St. Pauls Wednesday night in the Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer opener for both schools.
Sophmore Jay McKoy banged in a rebound from 8 yards out in the fourth minute of the second half to put the Eagles in front 1-0.
Sixteen minutes into the second half, junior Jay McGill knocked in another rebound from 7 yards out to boost the lead to 2-0.
One minute later senior Pierce Melvin hurled a throw-in into the box, and senior Greyson Heustess headed it into the net for a 3-0 lead.
Four minutes later the Bulldogs rallied with a goal off of a set piece. “We did a terrible job marking, and their attacker flat out beat our defender and headed it home,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor.
With six minutes left to play, the Bulldogs scored a goal off of a corner kick to slice the lead to 3-2.
“The story of the game was set pieces,” said Raynor. “We couldn’t put them away and they sure did.”
Raynor praised the play of sophmore goalie Jacob Priest saying, “He was able to turn several free kicks away including a heck of a play on one that was going into the top corner. He kept us in the game and was huge for us tonight.”
Coach Raynor praised the play of senior Keshaun Davis and junior Gabe Barber. “They did a tremendous job. I thought Jay McKoy hit another level tonight. He was a factor. Greyson was under constant pressure but still able to generate looks for us and put home a header.”
“Garrett (Melvin) had some nice looks at goal and played some nice balls behind the backline,” said Raynor. “Milton (Estrada) and B. J. (Monroe) did solid jobs for us on the flanks. We also had some big minutes from Jay McGill, Chase (Starkloff) and Sam (Inscoe).”
Raynor added, “ When Pierce (Melvin) got into the game he was a factor. We have to do better finishing the balls he serves in.”
East Bladen travels to Lumberton Thursday night.
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